Environment Canterbury has written a scathing submission to the water regulator saying proposed wastewater treatment standards are far below what it demands currently.
The new standards are set to come into force from August and will be implemented as councils go for new resource consents to upgrade or build new plants.
But the standards - which Taumata Arowai say will make consenting much easier and cheaper - have been criticised for being too lenient and taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton criticised the lack of analysis backing up the standards and was concerned they would lock in inadequate infrastructure unable to respond to climate and population changes.
Kathryn speaks to Environment Canterbury's chair Craig Pauling.
