Greenpeace Calls for Halving New Zealand's Nitrate Level in Drinking Water

Greenpeace has called for New Zealand to halve the maximum allowable nitrate level in drinking water from 11.3mg/L to 5mg/L, citing independent tests showing high nitrate levels in several Canterbury towns. The organization tested 445 water samples in Canterbury and found that multiple town supplies had nitrate levels above the proposed threshold of 5mg/L, including Darfield, Kirwee, and Oxford.

Greenpeace spokesperson Amanda Larsson highlighted the potential health risks posed by the contaminated drinking water, stating that research has linked high nitrate levels to an increased risk of premature births, underweight births, and bowel cancer. "These high nitrate levels are linked to an increased risk of premature and underweight births, as well as bowel cancer," Larsson said.

Dr. Tim Chambers, a researcher studying the health impacts of nitrates, supports lowering the current drinking water standard, as studies have found associations between nitrate levels around 5mg/L and adverse maternal health outcomes. "The current drinking water standard should be lowered, as studies have found associations between nitrate levels around 5mg/L and maternal health outcomes," Chambers stated.

Why this matters: The high nitrate levels in drinking water across several Canterbury towns raise serious public health concerns, particularly for pregnant women and their babies. Lowering the maximum allowable nitrate level could help mitigate the risks of premature births, underweight births, and bowel cancer associated with nitrate exposure.

Otago freshwater expert Marnie Prickett emphasizes the need to consider the entire process of how water reaches our taps, as drinking water is intrinsically connected to the health of waterways. The national water services regulator, Taumata Arowai, states that New Zealand's drinking water standards are based on World Health Organisation guidelines, and they require registered suppliers to test and report any maximum acceptable value exceedances.

Nitrate Alert: Greenpeace has expressed deep concern over the high nitrate levels found in their latest round of testing and has written to the health authority, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, about its concerns. The organization is urging the government to take action and halve the maximum allowable nitrate level in drinking water to protect public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and their babies.

Key Takeaways

• Greenpeace calls for halving NZ's max. nitrate level in drinking water to 5mg/L.
• Tests found high nitrate levels in several Canterbury towns, linked to health risks.
• Researcher supports lowering standard as 5mg/L linked to adverse maternal outcomes.
• Nitrate exposure risks include premature births, underweight births, and bowel cancer.
• Greenpeace urges govt. action to protect public health, especially for pregnant women.