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Arsenic levels

Waipā's tap water is safe to drink, testing shows a minor increase to arsenic levels. Click here for more information.

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Arsenic levels in Waipā

Waipā District Council’s water supply remains safe for drinking, bathing, and cleaning, following test results which showed small increases in the level of arsenic present.

Recent testing of water supplies drawn from the Waikato River has shown slightly elevated levels of arsenic.

Watercare and Hamilton City Council’s test results were identified earlier this week. As the levels exceeded limits set under Drinking Water Standards, the results were reported to the regulator, Taumata Arowai.

We sampled our water treatment plants yesterday, Wednesday, November 28, and the results showed elevated levels of arsenic, which have been reported to the regulator, Taumata Arowai.

Testing recorded results of 0.0138 and 0.0145 milligrams per litre from two Waipā water treatment plants. The increase exceeded the 0.01mg/litre maximum acceptable value for Arsenic set under Water Services (Drinking Water Standards of New Zealand) Regulations 2022.

The limits in the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards are based on the level of risk from a lifetime of drinking the water, meaning they are very conservative.

Boiling water before use is unnecessary and not recommended. While the risk is very low, if you have concerns, contact your GP or Healthline.

We are doing additional testing and taking the advice of Taumata Arowai, the drinking water regulator, and Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring heavy metal found in the Waikato River. Some of it comes from the geothermal activity near Lake Taupo and other natural sources downstream.

Waipā gets its drinking water from the Waikato River, and it is thoroughly treated before it reaches our taps. Our treatment plants remove around 80% of river water’s natural arsenic levels.

We are turning on additional processes used in summer to remove taste and odour issues, which will help reduce the arsenic levels.

The slight variation noted recently may be due to increasing natural levels.

  • We will continue to do daily testing to keep an eye on the situation
  • We are turning on additional processes used in summer to remove taste and odour issues, which will help reduce the arsenic levels.
  • We are working closely with Waikato Regional Council, other government agencies, and local councils.

  • Health New Zealand and Taumata Arowai indicate the elevated levels, although a breach of the standards, do not present any immediate concern for public health.
  • While the risk is extremely low, people who may be especially vulnerable, such as dialysis patients, pregnant people or babies, could use bottled water for drinking or cooking, and should contact their GP or Healthline if they have concerns.
  • Drinking water with slightly elevated levels for a short period is unlikely to cause any health effects.
  • The limits in the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards are based on the level of risk from a lifetime of drinking the water, meaning they are very conservative

  • While the risk is very low, if you have concerns, contact your GP or Healthline.
  • High users of water for food-related products will need to consider the risks to compliance regarding export standards.

For information on harvesting watercress safely, download our marae food safety guide.

The Te Kai Manawa Ora marae food safety guide.

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