2. Question No. 2—HealthMARAMA DAVIDSON (Co-Leader—Green) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 2—Health2. MARAMA DAVIDSON (Co-Leader—Green) to the Minister of Health: Is he concerned about the potential health implications of nitrate levels in Canterbury's aquifers including in drinking-water sources?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): No not at this time. I'm advised that the Ministry of Health's most recent review of drinking water 2016-17 reports that there are eight water supplies in the Canterbury region including South Canterbury that monitor for nitrate: Ashburton Burnham Camp Darfield Dunsandel & Sherwood Estate Edendale and Sandy Knolls Fairton Hinds and Poyntz Road. All eight water supply regions met the drinking-water standards. In addition Christchurch City Council monitors nitrate levels every five years and reports levels well below the maximum accepted values. The next testing results are due in coming months. However I am aware of the broader issues around nitrates and human health being raised internationally including for pregnant women and babies. That's why I've asked the Director-General of Health to ensure the ministry is actively monitoring developments.Marama Davidson: Does he share the concerns of the Canterbury medical officer of health Dr Alistair Humphrey that current levels of nitrates in Canterbury drinking-water may be high enough to create a risk of colorectal cancer according to a recent Danish study?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Not at this time. I'm advised that the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified nitrate as 2A—probably carcinogenic to humans—but advised that the weight of evidence is that there is unlikely to be a causal association between gastric cancer and nitrate in drinking water. I'm also advised that the study in question was a study from Aarhus University Denmark. It found an increased risk of colon and rectal cancer at concentrations greater than 3.87 milligram nitrate per litre of water. Health officials asked the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR) for advice on the research report and ESR's water chemist advised it is only one of several studies that need to be taken into consideration in deciding what adjustment if any should be made to drinking-water standards.Marama Davidson: Will he support further research to identify whether nitrate levels in some New Zealand drinking-water sources have potential long-term health effects given Canterbury already has relatively high levels of nitrates in its groundwater and these are likely to increase?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Health research in New Zealand is funded by the Health Research Council (HRC). It allocates the majority of funds through an annual funding round to independent research projects which are researcher initiated. A competitive process ensures that high-quality and relevant research is supported across a number of research investment streams including public health. Should researchers wish to replicate the Danish study in New Zealand or conduct epidemiological studies of cancer and nitrates in drinking water the HRC's website provides detailed information about the funding available and how to apply.Hon David Parker: Can the Minister confirm that he met with me the Director-General of Health and the Secretary for the Environment after Dr Humphrey raised these issues with us and that the Government is alert to the issues as to whether more research is needed to ascertain whether these studies in Denmark are of relevance to New Zealand?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I can confirm that. Furthermore I can confirm that in passing the honourable Minister and I had a further conversation on this matter just last night as both of us are alert to the issue and keen to see how it develops and whether and in what role New Zealand might play in better understanding these issues.Marama Davidson: Does he agree the Ministry of Health should have a role in identifying and responding to environmental pollution which creates a risk to human health?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I am advised that health officials do not have a lead role in identifying or responding to environmental pollution because this is undertaken by local government. Local public health staff work with their local government colleagues to identify and manage public health risks in their regions. Regional councils and unitary authorities monitor air quality freshwater quality and identify and manage potentially contaminated land among other things. These councils also manage discharges to air land and water under the Resource Management Act. When a council identifies a potential public health risk it may seek advice from the local district health board public health unit to ensure the risk is managed appropriately and for assistance in providing advice to the public.