Benefits of Southern Waters
Modelling for Southern Waters has identified cumulative savings of around $627 million by 2054 for consumers.
Established under the Government’s Local Water Done Well (LWDW) framework, Southern Waters will be required to meet high standards for service delivery, regulatory compliance, and long-term infrastructure sustainability.
The Government approved Southern Waters’ Joint Water Services Delivery Plan on 3 October. The plan provides the foundation to deliver the following benefits:
- Improved service quality and compliance – meets modern standards for safety and resilience.
- Shared expertise and investment planning – reduces duplication and improves efficiency.
- Long-term affordability – shared infrastructure investment spreads costs fairly.
- Local ownership and accountability – decisions remain in the hands of local councils.
- Focus on one core purpose – water, without competing priorities.
The Fourth Water
Southern Waters is unique in that we have a ‘fourth water’ - rural water schemes.
These play a vital role in provincial communities. While they operate differently from urban water systems, they’re just as important.
They are the lifeblood of many rural communities and underpin much of our agricultural productivity. As such, we recognise the schemes as the fourth water service - alongside drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater.
We will look after nine schemes in the Clutha District and eight in the Waitaki District. We are committed to working with their committees as local knowledge is key to effectively managing rural water schemes.
Our Foundation Pillars
Financial Sustainability
Create scale and capacity to fund and deliver significant long-term investment in water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
Leading workforce
A highly skilled, adaptable, and future-focused water workforce across Otago and Southland, ensuring expertise and capacity to deliver reliable services and drive continuous improvement.
Customer focus
Use emerging technologies to enhance customer service responsiveness and increase public understanding of water systems and the importance of water for communities and future generations.
Local influence
Ensure iwi has a meaningful voice, and that local perspectives and priorities are represented so communities remain connected to how their water services are delivered.
Protect health & the environment
Ensure that public health and the environment are protected by making water quality, service reliability, and regulatory compliance core to all investment and operational decisions.
Our Structure
Shareholder Councils
(Central Otago, Clutha, Gore and Waitaki District Councils)
All shareholders have equal voting rights. They have signed a Shareholders' Agreement, which will provide the framework for a constructive, collaborative relationship between shareholders and Southern Waters.
Stakeholders’ Representative Group (SRG)
This group has two representatives from each shareholding council and mana whenua, and one rural water representative. It sets expectations and monitors the performance of Southern Waters on behalf of shareholders.
SRG members are:
• Central Otago District Council:
Mayor Tamah Alley and Cr Cheryl Laws
• Clutha District Council:
Mayor Jock Martin and Cr Roger Cotton
• Gore District Council:
Mayor Ben Bell and Cr Neville Phillips
• Waitaki District Council:
Mayor Mel Tavendale and Cr Frans Schlack
Mana whenua and rural representatives have yet to be named.
Southern Waters Ltd
(CCO name)
The company is responsible for operational and financial decisions and implementing the Water Services Strategy.