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2400% MAV increase for Azinphos-methyl in Drinking Water

Mr Davies made this Official Information request to Taumata Arowai–the Water Services Regulator

This request has an unknown status. We're waiting for Mr Davies to read recent responses and update the status.

From: Mr Davies

Dear Taumata Arowai Team,

I am writing to inquire about the recent increase in the Maximum Acceptable Value (MAV) for azinphos-methyl in drinking water from 0.004 mg/L to 0.1 mg/L, which represents a 2400% rise.

This increase is perplexing, particularly given that azinphos-methyl was effectively banned over a decade ago following the New Zealand Environmental Risk Management Authority's decision to phase out its use. Given the ban, I would appreciate clarification on why an increase in the allowable concentration in drinking water is deemed necessary, especially considering its potential environmental and health impacts.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to your response.

Mr Davies

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From: Info
Taumata Arowai–the Water Services Regulator

Thanks for your email. One of our team will get back to you within 2
working days.

If you wish to advise us of unsafe drinking water, please use this email
[email address] or call us on 04 889 8350.

You can also phone or email our regional teams during office hours Monday
to Friday 8am - 5pm. Contact details are here Regulatory Team | Taumata
Arowai

Ngā mihi

 

 

If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender
immediately and delete this message along with any attachments.  Please
treat the contents of this message as private and confidential. Ngā mihi

 

 

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From: OIA
Taumata Arowai–the Water Services Regulator

OIA Reference: CAS-01869-F2J2R7

Kia ora Mr Davies,

We hereby acknowledge receipt of your information request which we will process under the Official Information Act 1982.

Ngā mihi,

Jessie Johnson-Smith (she/her) | Governance and Performance Advisor
Ngāti Porou | Ngāi Tūhoe

Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai
Level 2, 10 Brandon Street
PO Box 628
Wellington 6140, New Zealand
taumataarowai.govt.nz

-----Original Message-----
From: Rosie Bowman <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 8:35 AM
To: Jessie Johnson-Smith <[email address]>
Cc: Aimee van Barneveld <[email address]>; Menaka Angammana <[email address]>
Subject: FW: Official Information request - 2400% MAV increase for Azinphos-methyl in Drinking Water

Another one from Mr Davies.
Jessie could you please log for us? 😊

Thank you
Rosie

-----Original Message-----
From: Mr Davies <[FOI #28371 email]>
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 3:24 PM
To: Info <[Taumata Arowai request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - 2400% MAV increase for Azinphos-methyl in Drinking Water

[You don't often get email from [FOI #28371 email]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

Dear Taumata Arowai Team,

I am writing to inquire about the recent increase in the Maximum Acceptable Value (MAV) for azinphos-methyl in drinking water from 0.004 mg/L to 0.1 mg/L, which represents a 2400% rise.

This increase is perplexing, particularly given that azinphos-methyl was effectively banned over a decade ago following the New Zealand Environmental Risk Management Authority's decision to phase out its use. Given the ban, I would appreciate clarification on why an increase in the allowable concentration in drinking water is deemed necessary, especially considering its potential environmental and health impacts.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to your response.

Mr Davies

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #28371 email]

Is [Taumata Arowai request email] the wrong address for Official Information requests to Taumata Arowai–the Water Services Regulator? If so, please contact us using this form:
https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...

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If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this message along with any attachments. Please treat the contents of this message as private and confidential. Ngā mihi

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From: OIA
Taumata Arowai–the Water Services Regulator


Attachment Final OIA response to Mr Davies CAS 01869 F2J2R7.pdf
816K Download View as HTML

Attachment Appendix One 2022 MAV Review ESR Proposed Standards.pdf
367K Download View as HTML


OIA Ref: CAS-01869-F2J2R7

Kia ora Mr Davies

Please find attached our response (including an attachment) to your information request of 12 September 2024.

Ngā mihi
Rosie

Rosie Bowman (she/her)| Governance Advisor

Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai
Level 2, 10 Brandon Street
Wellington 6140, New Zealand

taumataarowai.govt.nz

-----Original Message-----
From: OIA <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 11:01 AM
To: [FYI request #28371 email]
Subject: Acknowledgement of your Official Information Act Request - CAS-01869-F2J2R7

OIA Reference: CAS-01869-F2J2R7

Kia ora Mr Davies,

We hereby acknowledge receipt of your information request which we will process under the Official Information Act 1982.

Ngā mihi,

Jessie Johnson-Smith (she/her) | Governance and Performance Advisor Ngāti Porou | Ngāi Tūhoe

Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai Level 2, 10 Brandon Street PO Box 628 Wellington 6140, New Zealand taumataarowai.govt.nz

-----Original Message-----
From: Mr Davies <[FYI request #28371 email]>
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 3:24 PM
To: Info <[Taumata Arowai request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - 2400% MAV increase for Azinphos-methyl in Drinking Water

[You don't often get email from [FYI request #28371 email]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

Dear Taumata Arowai Team,

I am writing to inquire about the recent increase in the Maximum Acceptable Value (MAV) for azinphos-methyl in drinking water from 0.004 mg/L to 0.1 mg/L, which represents a 2400% rise.

This increase is perplexing, particularly given that azinphos-methyl was effectively banned over a decade ago following the New Zealand Environmental Risk Management Authority's decision to phase out its use. Given the ban, I would appreciate clarification on why an increase in the allowable concentration in drinking water is deemed necessary, especially considering its potential environmental and health impacts.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to your response.

Mr Davies

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FYI request #28371 email]

Is [Taumata Arowai request email] the wrong address for Official Information requests to Taumata Arowai–the Water Services Regulator? If so, please contact us using this form:
https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this message along with any attachments. Please treat the contents of this message as private and confidential. Ngā mihi

hide quoted sections

Link to this

From: Mr Davies

Dear Taumata Arowai–the Water Services Regulator,

Thank you for your response and for providing the background information regarding the increased Maximum Acceptable Value (MAV) for azinphos-methyl. I have some additional questions regarding this increase, especially in light of comparisons with international standards.

1. Toxicological Basis for MAV Increase

Could you please provide details on the toxicological data or studies used to determine the new MAV of 0.1 mg/L? Given this substantial increase, are there findings that support the safety of this level for long-term human consumption?

2. International Comparisons

I’ve noted that New Zealand’s MAV of 0.1 mg/L is significantly higher than those of other countries, such as Canada (0.02 mg/L) and Australia (0.03 mg/L). Specifically, New Zealand’s allowable level is 5 times higher than Canada’s and 3.3 times higher than Australia’s. This equates to New Zealand’s level being 400% higher than Canada’s and 233% higher than Australia’s. Could you explain why such a high MAV was chosen, especially given the international context?

3. Reasons for Moving Away from Precautionary Limits

Could you provide clarification on why the provisional MAV of 0.004 mg/L was raised by such a large margin, particularly for a substance banned due to health concerns? Was the previous limit deemed overly restrictive based on new evidence?

4. Public Health Risk Assessment

Has a recent assessment been conducted on the health impacts of this increased MAV? If available, a summary of findings regarding the long-term safety implications of this concentration would be helpful.

I appreciate your assistance in addressing these questions. Given the significant difference between New Zealand’s MAV and those of other countries, understanding the basis for this increase is crucial for public confidence.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Davies

Link to this

From: OIA
Taumata Arowai–the Water Services Regulator

OIA Ref: CAS-01877-F2Q7P8

Kia ora Mr Davies

We hereby acknowledge receipt of your information request under the Official Information Act 1982.

Ngâ mihi
Rosie

Rosie Bowman (she/her)| Governance Advisor

Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai
Level 2, 10 Brandon Street
Wellington 6140, New Zealand

taumataarowai.govt.nz

-----Original Message-----
From: Mr Davies <[FOI #28371 email]>
Sent: Thursday, October 10, 2024 5:47 PM
To: Info <[Taumata Arowai request email]>
Subject: Re: Official Information request - 2400% MAV increase for Azinphos-methyl in Drinking Water

[You don't often get email from [FOI #28371 email]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

Dear Taumata Arowai–the Water Services Regulator,

Thank you for your response and for providing the background information regarding the increased Maximum Acceptable Value (MAV) for azinphos-methyl. I have some additional questions regarding this increase, especially in light of comparisons with international standards.

1. Toxicological Basis for MAV Increase

Could you please provide details on the toxicological data or studies used to determine the new MAV of 0.1 mg/L? Given this substantial increase, are there findings that support the safety of this level for long-term human consumption?

2. International Comparisons

I’ve noted that New Zealand’s MAV of 0.1 mg/L is significantly higher than those of other countries, such as Canada (0.02 mg/L) and Australia (0.03 mg/L). Specifically, New Zealand’s allowable level is 5 times higher than Canada’s and 3.3 times higher than Australia’s. This equates to New Zealand’s level being 400% higher than Canada’s and 233% higher than Australia’s. Could you explain why such a high MAV was chosen, especially given the international context?

3. Reasons for Moving Away from Precautionary Limits

Could you provide clarification on why the provisional MAV of 0.004 mg/L was raised by such a large margin, particularly for a substance banned due to health concerns? Was the previous limit deemed overly restrictive based on new evidence?

4. Public Health Risk Assessment

Has a recent assessment been conducted on the health impacts of this increased MAV? If available, a summary of findings regarding the long-term safety implications of this concentration would be helpful.

I appreciate your assistance in addressing these questions. Given the significant difference between New Zealand’s MAV and those of other countries, understanding the basis for this increase is crucial for public confidence.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Davies

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #28371 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this message along with any attachments. Please treat the contents of this message as private and confidential. Ngâ mihi

hide quoted sections

Link to this

From: OIA
Taumata Arowai–the Water Services Regulator


Attachment Final OIA response to Mr Davies CAS 01877 F2Q7P8.pdf
847K Download View as HTML


OIA Ref: CAS-01877-F2Q7P8

Kia ora Mr Davies

Please find attached our response to your information request of 10 October 2024.

Ngâ mihi
Rosie

Rosie Bowman (she/her)| Governance Advisor

Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai
Level 2, 10 Brandon Street
Wellington 6140, New Zealand

taumataarowai.govt.nz

-----Original Message-----
From: OIA
Sent: Friday, 11 October 2024 10:04 am
To: [FOI #28371 email]
Subject: RE: Official Information request - 2400% MAV increase for Azinphos-methyl in Drinking Water

OIA Ref: CAS-01877-F2Q7P8

Kia ora Mr Davies

We hereby acknowledge receipt of your information request under the Official Information Act 1982.

Ngâ mihi
Rosie

Rosie Bowman (she/her)| Governance Advisor

Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai Level 2, 10 Brandon Street Wellington 6140, New Zealand

taumataarowai.govt.nz

-----Original Message-----
From: Mr Davies <[FOI #28371 email]>
Sent: Thursday, October 10, 2024 5:47 PM
To: Info <[Taumata Arowai request email]>
Subject: Re: Official Information request - 2400% MAV increase for Azinphos-methyl in Drinking Water

[You don't often get email from [FOI #28371 email]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

Dear Taumata Arowai–the Water Services Regulator,

Thank you for your response and for providing the background information regarding the increased Maximum Acceptable Value (MAV) for azinphos-methyl. I have some additional questions regarding this increase, especially in light of comparisons with international standards.

1. Toxicological Basis for MAV Increase

Could you please provide details on the toxicological data or studies used to determine the new MAV of 0.1 mg/L? Given this substantial increase, are there findings that support the safety of this level for long-term human consumption?

2. International Comparisons

I’ve noted that New Zealand’s MAV of 0.1 mg/L is significantly higher than those of other countries, such as Canada (0.02 mg/L) and Australia (0.03 mg/L). Specifically, New Zealand’s allowable level is 5 times higher than Canada’s and 3.3 times higher than Australia’s. This equates to New Zealand’s level being 400% higher than Canada’s and 233% higher than Australia’s. Could you explain why such a high MAV was chosen, especially given the international context?

3. Reasons for Moving Away from Precautionary Limits

Could you provide clarification on why the provisional MAV of 0.004 mg/L was raised by such a large margin, particularly for a substance banned due to health concerns? Was the previous limit deemed overly restrictive based on new evidence?

4. Public Health Risk Assessment

Has a recent assessment been conducted on the health impacts of this increased MAV? If available, a summary of findings regarding the long-term safety implications of this concentration would be helpful.

I appreciate your assistance in addressing these questions. Given the significant difference between New Zealand’s MAV and those of other countries, understanding the basis for this increase is crucial for public confidence.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Davies

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #28371 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this message along with any attachments. Please treat the contents of this message as private and confidential. Ngâ mihi

hide quoted sections

Link to this

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