Hon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government): I continue to stress the whole reason for these reforms are two decades of under-investment in waters infrastructure. Increased drinking water and environmental standards and constrained council balance sheets means councils will not be able to respond with forecast costs of waters infrastructure investment estimated to be between $120 billion to $185 billion over the next 30 years. Ultimately, ratepayers will suffer if these issues are not resolved. I've not seen any alternative put forward by the member's party that would deliver safe drinking water, ensure value for money from the estimated $180 billion investment needed over 30 years, and keep our beaches swimmable. 