Arsenic in Auckland and Waikato water

The story so far

Elevated arsenic levels were detected in water supplies drawn from the Waikato River, with Watercare reporting 0.011 milligrams per litre in a recent sample.^{27 Nov 2024} Local Government Minister Simeon Brown was briefed, and officials said the water remains safe to drink.^{27 Nov 2024} Waipā and Waikato district councils then reported slightly elevated levels, joining Hamilton City Council, while Watercare said Auckland's drinking water still met safety standards.^{28 Nov 2024} Testing between Lake Ōhakuri and Rangiriri later found river arsenic levels within expected ranges, with Watercare reporting samples of 0.0189 to 0.0256 milligrams per litre.^{29 Nov 2024}

Latest

Water testing on the Waikato River between Lake Ōhakuri and Rangiriri has found arsenic levels within expected ranges.^{29 Nov 2024}

Key moments

1. 27 Nov 2024Elevated arsenic reported in Waikato River-sourced supplies; officials say water is safe.
2. 28 Nov 2024Waipā and Waikato district councils report slightly elevated arsenic, joining Hamilton.
3. 29 Nov 2024River testing finds arsenic levels within expected ranges along the Waikato River.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.