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Following 36359 (2026), does the Minister acknowledge the estimate from the Environment Southland "Nitrogen Contamination in Southland Groundwater"—that 65 people across Southland may be served by a drinking water supply exceeding the 11.3 mg/L nitrate limit—is inconsistent with his expectation that "drinking water across the South Island [be] below the safe drinking level of 11.3 mg/L"?

Answered Question 37996 (2026)
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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • Following 36359 (2026), does the Minister acknowledge the estimate from the Environment Southland "Nitrogen Contamination in Southland Groundwater"—that 65 people across Southland may be served by a drinking water supply exceeding the 11.3 mg/L nitrate limit—is inconsistent with his expectation that "drinking water across the South Island [be] below the safe drinking level of 11.3 mg/L"?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

Yes. I expect the drinking water across the South Island (which includes Southland) to be below the safe drinking level of 11.3 mg/L.