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Is the Minister aware that the NZ College of Midwives, in a media advisory from 2021, suggest that "Although the current MAV [maximum acceptable value] for nitrates in drinking water supplies is equivalent to 11.3mg/L, it is prudent to take a precautionary approach and consider the lower threshold of 5mg/L (or lower) as safer for pregnant women"?

Answered Question 36519 (2026)
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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • Is the Minister aware that the NZ College of Midwives, in a media advisory from 2021, suggest that "Although the current MAV [maximum acceptable value] for nitrates in drinking water supplies is equivalent to 11.3mg/L, it is prudent to take a precautionary approach and consider the lower threshold of 5mg/L (or lower) as safer for pregnant women"?

Answered by

Hon Nicola Grigg

Member for Selwyn · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

This is a matter for the Ministers of Local Government and Health. Drinking water standards are set by Taumata Arowai based on advice from the Ministry of Health. I understand that Taumata Arowai and the Ministry of Health continue to review emerging evidence and research to better understand the link between nitrates and adverse health outcomes.