Different proportions of component species of faecal streptococci were found in New Zealand sewage, animal processing effluents, and animal faeces.Enterococcus faeciumwas the major species in raw sewage (43–65%), followed byE.faecalis(19–40%) orE. durans(14–23%). Meat processing effluent usually had a higher proportion off. durans(37–73%) than sewage. Enterococci, mainlyE. durans(34%), dominated in sheep faeces, butStreptococcus boviscomprised 53% of the faecal streptococci in cattle faeces. In sewage‐contaminated groundwater, a survival pattern ofE. faecalis > E. faecium > E. durans > S. equinus > S. boviswas predicted. The proportion ofE.duranswas low in rivers impacted by animal wastes, and decreased during treatment of sewage and meatworks effluent and after both effluents were mixed with sea water. Thus, superior survival ofE. faeciumandE. faecalismeans that they are likely to be the dominant species in receiving waters, irrespective of whether the pollution is of human or animal origin. Faecal coliform: faecal streptococci/ enterococci ratios were similar in raw sewage and meat processing effluents (generally > 3), but superior enterococcus survival caused a decrease in ratios in groundwater and sea water. Thus, these ratios are probably not useful in distinguishing between human and animal pollution sources in New Zealand receiving waters.