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What is the Minister's response to the Environment Southland report on nitrate contamination in groundwater which shows that "approximately 1,530 people on private supplies and 13,632 on public groundwater supplies are served by drinking-water supplies located within mapped areas of high vulnerability" to nitrate contamination? and 1 other question

Answered 5973, 5975 (2026)
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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Questions

  • 5973

    What is the Minister's response to the Environment Southland report on nitrate contamination in groundwater which shows that "approximately 1,530 people on private supplies and 13,632 on public groundwater supplies are served by drinking-water supplies located within mapped areas of high vulnerability" to nitrate contamination?

  • 5975

    What action, if any, is the Minister taking to address the vulnerability of drinking water supplies in Southland to nitrate contamination, in light of the Environment Southland report that shows 65 people are served by water supplies above the legal limit of 11.3 Mg/L MAV for nitrate contamination?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

Registered drinking water supplies are subject to standards and monitoring requirements under the Water Services Act 2021, which is administered by Taumata Arowai as the independent water services regulator. The report "Nitrogen Contamination in Southland Groundwater 2026" is part of Environment Southland's regular environmental monitoring and provision of evidence to inform regional planning and freshwater management. I understand that Environment Southland is working with communities and land users to reduce nitrogen losses by, for example, focusing efforts on the areas with elevated nitrates. The Government has consulted on new requirements to map drinking water sources, which will improve our ability to manage the risk of contamination. The Government is also committed to reforming the resource management system and replacing the Resource Management Act 1991. The Natural Environment Bill, which is currently before Select Committee, includes provisions for setting clear environmental limits for human health.