Source: Greenpeace
Greenpeace Aotearoa is sounding the alarm over the nitrate level in Gore’s town supply following the organisation’s drinking water testing event held in the township today.
The organisation found the town supply was at approximately 4.8 mg/L nitrate contamination – approaching the level associated with an increased risk of preterm birth.
Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe says, “Here in Gore, the town drinking water supply is contaminated with unacceptably high levels of nitrate, and it could be putting pregnant people at risk. Everyone, no matter where they live, should be able to safely drink the water out of their kitchen tap, but pregnant residents of Gore can’t do that because of an increased risk of preterm birth.”
“The intensive dairy industry, led by Fonterra, is responsible for worsening drinking water contamination in Aotearoa. In Canterbury, the regional council has already declared a nitrate emergency. Other areas of intensive dairying are likely to follow – especially Southland.”
“We have a clear instance of drinking water disparity here in Aotearoa. Rural New Zealanders have less access to safe, clean drinking water than those living in big cities – and that is absolutely unacceptable. People who have done nothing to contribute to the contamination are forced to clean up the water pollution caused by Fonterra’s intensive dairying practices.”
“Ultimately, we need to stop nitrate pollution at the source. The Government must lower the cap on synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, and reduce the number of dairy cows allowed on the land. Ultimately, we need to transition away from intensive dairying, towards more ecological farming practices that protect people’s access to safe drinking water.”
Greenpeace will be in Waimate and Darfield this weekend providing free drinking water testing. Details for these events are below.
Waimate: Saturday 22nd November, Waimate Event Centre, 10am-4pm
Darfield: Sunday 23rd November, Darfield Recreation Centre, 11am-4pm
