New Zealand's drinking water is largely free from elevated levels of dangerous "forever chemicals", according to new research from the University of Auckland.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), or "forever chemicals", are known for their persistence and potential health risks, including developmental effects, immune system disruption, and certain types of cancer.

The New Zealand study, led by Associate Professor Lokesh Padhye, analysed samples from twenty locations across the country, including various suburbs in Auckland.

They found that the PFAS levels detected were below the most stringent drinking water regulations in the world, including the levels proposed recently by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).

Associate Professor Lokesh Padhye (Faculty of Engineering) and PhD candidate Shailja Data (Faculty of Science) are part of the team investigating the burden of PFAS on New Zealand's environment. Photo: William Chea

The results from the study are "overwhelmingly positive news," says Padhye.

Contaminated drinking water is one of the main routes for human exposure to PFAS and is a major public health concern for industrialised countries.

While New Zealand lacks PFAS manufacturing sites, industries like metal plating may still contribute to contamination, says Padhye.

The researchers, who are investigating the burden of PFAS on New Zealand's environment, tested the tap water, borewell water, and lake water for 30 PFAS, including regulated ones and found most PFAS below one part per trillion level.

Despite the positive findings, the research underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard the quality of New Zealand's drinking water, they say, especially considering thousands of PFAS exist in the environment.

"Regular water monitoring of emerging contaminants such as PFAS is crucial in New Zealand to address water quality issues and ensure public safety," says Padhye.