Photo: RNZ / Eleisha FoonA meeting to discuss the level of nitrates in Canterbury's drinking water pulled in more than 100 people from around the region. It was sparked by an application to renew consent for a 56,500ha Mid Canterbury irrigation project that some critics say will increase nitrate levels in water bores. A panel, including a rural GP and an epidemiologist who has researched the links between nitrates and bowel cancer, spoke about health and environmental risks at the meeting at Burnside High School in Christchurch. Rural GP Dr Robin Barraclough raised concern over diagnosing a large number of people, namely farmers, with bowel cancer. The study prompted the government to appoint a taskforce to review safe drinking levels.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 07, 2021 22:30 UTC