Official Information Request Regarding Asbestos Cement Pipes in Auckland's Drinking Water Infrastructure
Yasir Shaikh made this Official Information request to Watercare Services Limited
The request was successful.
From: Yasir Shaikh
Dear Watercare Services Limited,
Subject: Official Information Request Regarding Asbestos Cement Pipes in Auckland's Drinking Water Infrastructure
I am writing to request information under the Official Information Act 1982 regarding the use of asbestos cement pipes in Auckland’s drinking water supply system. Specifically, I request the following information:
1. The total length and number of pipes in Auckland’s drinking water infrastructure that are made from asbestos cement, including an indication of how many of these pipes were installed between the 1950s and the 1980s.
2. The total length and number of pipes in Auckland’s Glenfield drinking water infrastructure that are made from asbestos cement, including an indication of how many of these pipes were installed between the 1950s and the 1980s.
2. Any plans or programs in place to replace or monitor these asbestos cement pipes, including timelines for their replacement and any assessments of their current condition.
3. Information on the health impacts of asbestos cement pipes being used in drinking water systems, particularly whether there is any evidence or research indicating potential risks to public health for populations consuming water that flows through these pipes.
I would appreciate receiving this information in electronic form if possible. If any part of my request is unclear or requires further detail, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your attention to this request. I look forward to your response within the statutory timeframe as outlined in the Official Information Act.
Kind regards,
Yours faithfully,
Yasir Shaikh
From: Pinaz Pithadia
Watercare Services Limited
Kia ora
We acknowledge the receipt of your email to our communications team .
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
any event no later than 18 October 2024, being 20 working days after the
day your request was received – see section 13(7) of the LGOIMA. If we are
unable to respond to your request by then, we will notify you of an
extension of that timeframe.
For more information about the LGOIMA response times, please see the link:
[1]Official information calculators.
Going forward when you have requests like this can you please email
[2][email address], to ensure the email is directed to Legal
and Governance team.
Ngā mihi
Pinaz
Kind regards,
Pinaz Pithadia | Legal and Governance Advisor
Watercare Services Limited
Customer service line: +64 9 442 2222
Postal address: Private Bag 92 521, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142, New
Zealand
Physical address: 73 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland 1050, New Zealand
Website: [3]www.watercare.co.nz
Ki te ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata
When the water is healthy, the land and the people are healthy.
From: Yasir Shaikh <[4][FOI #28460 email]>
Sent: Friday, September 20, 2024 11:13 AM
To: Communications <[5][Watercare request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - Official Information Request
Regarding Asbestos Cement Pipes in Auckland's Drinking Water
Infrastructure
Dear Watercare Services Limited, Subject: Official Information Request
Regarding Asbestos Cement Pipes in Auckland's Drinking Water
Infrastructure I am writing to request information under the Official
Information Act 1982 regarding the use
Dear Watercare Services Limited,
Subject: Official Information Request Regarding Asbestos Cement Pipes in Auckland's Drinking Water Infrastructure
I am writing to request information under the Official Information Act 1982 regarding the use of asbestos cement pipes in Auckland’s drinking water supply system. Specifically, I request the following information:
1. The total length and number of pipes in Auckland’s drinking water infrastructure that are made from asbestos cement, including an indication of how many of these pipes were installed between the 1950s and the 1980s.
2. The total length and number of pipes in Auckland’s Glenfield drinking water infrastructure that are made from asbestos cement, including an indication of how many of these pipes were installed between the 1950s and the 1980s.
2. Any plans or programs in place to replace or monitor these asbestos cement pipes, including timelines for their replacement and any assessments of their current condition.
3. Information on the health impacts of asbestos cement pipes being used in drinking water systems, particularly whether there is any evidence or research indicating potential risks to public health for populations consuming water that flows through these pipes.
I would appreciate receiving this information in electronic form if possible. If any part of my request is unclear or requires further detail, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your attention to this request. I look forward to your response within the statutory timeframe as outlined in the Official Information Act.
Kind regards,
Yours faithfully,
Yasir Shaikh
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[6][FOI #28460 email]
Is [7][Watercare request email] the wrong address for Official Information requests to Watercare Services Limited? If so, please contact us using this form:
[8]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://fyi....
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
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5. mailto:[Watercare request email]
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From: Pinaz Pithadia
Watercare Services Limited
Kia ora
Our response to your LGOIMA request is attached.
Ngā mihi
Pinaz
Kind regards,
Pinaz Pithadia | Legal and Governance Advisor
Watercare Services Limited
Customer service line: +64 9 442 2222
Postal address: Private Bag 92 521, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142, New
Zealand
Physical address: 73 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland 1050, New Zealand
Website: [1]www.watercare.co.nz
Ki te ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata
When the water is healthy, the land and the people are healthy.
From: Pinaz Pithadia <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 20 September 2024 1:16 pm
To: [FOI #28460 email]
Cc: Governance Team <[email address]>
Subject: RE: OIA Asbestos Cement Pipes in Auckland's Drinking Water
Infrastructure
Kia ora
We acknowledge the receipt of your email to our communications team .
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
any event no later than 18 October 2024, being 20 working days after the
day your request was received – see section 13(7) of the LGOIMA. If we are
unable to respond to your request by then, we will notify you of an
extension of that timeframe.
For more information about the LGOIMA response times, please see the link:
[2]Official information calculators.
Going forward when you have requests like this can you please email
[3][email address], to ensure the email is directed to Legal
and Governance team.
Ngā mihi
Pinaz
Kind regards,
Pinaz Pithadia | Legal and Governance Advisor
Watercare Services Limited
Customer service line: +64 9 442 2222
Postal address: Private Bag 92 521, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142, New
Zealand
Physical address: 73 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland 1050, New Zealand
Website: [4]www.watercare.co.nz
Ki te ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata
When the water is healthy, the land and the people are healthy.
From: Yasir Shaikh <[5][FOI #28460 email]>
Sent: Friday, September 20, 2024 11:13 AM
To: Communications <[6][Watercare request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - Official Information Request
Regarding Asbestos Cement Pipes in Auckland's Drinking Water
Infrastructure
Dear Watercare Services Limited, Subject: Official Information Request
Regarding Asbestos Cement Pipes in Auckland's Drinking Water
Infrastructure I am writing to request information under the Official
Information Act 1982 regarding the use
Dear Watercare Services Limited,
Subject: Official Information Request Regarding Asbestos Cement Pipes in Auckland's Drinking Water Infrastructure
I am writing to request information under the Official Information Act 1982 regarding the use of asbestos cement pipes in Auckland’s drinking water supply system. Specifically, I request the following information:
1. The total length and number of pipes in Auckland’s drinking water infrastructure that are made from asbestos cement, including an indication of how many of these pipes were installed between the 1950s and the 1980s.
2. The total length and number of pipes in Auckland’s Glenfield drinking water infrastructure that are made from asbestos cement, including an indication of how many of these pipes were installed between the 1950s and the 1980s.
2. Any plans or programs in place to replace or monitor these asbestos cement pipes, including timelines for their replacement and any assessments of their current condition.
3. Information on the health impacts of asbestos cement pipes being used in drinking water systems, particularly whether there is any evidence or research indicating potential risks to public health for populations consuming water that flows through these pipes.
I would appreciate receiving this information in electronic form if possible. If any part of my request is unclear or requires further detail, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your attention to this request. I look forward to your response within the statutory timeframe as outlined in the Official Information Act.
Kind regards,
Yours faithfully,
Yasir Shaikh
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[7][FOI #28460 email]
Is [8][Watercare request email] the wrong address for Official Information requests to Watercare Services Limited? If so, please contact us using this form:
[9]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://fyi....
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[10]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://fyi....
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. http://www.watercare.co.nz/
2. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.o...
3. mailto:[email address]
4. http://www.watercare.co.nz/
5. mailto:[FOI #28460 email]
6. mailto:[Watercare request email]
7. mailto:[FOI #28460 email]
8. mailto:[Watercare request email]
9. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/fyi.o...
10. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/fyi.o...
From: Yasir Shaikh
Dear Pinaz Pithadia,
Your response in OIA:
"Neither the World Health Organisation nor Taumata Arowai (New Zealand’s drinking water regulator) have set guideline levels for asbestos in drinking water. For this reason, New Zealand drinking water supplies are not routinely tested for asbestos."
I am really surprise that New Zealand’s drinking water is not routinely tested for asbestos considering there is a standard from WHO as stated above. Asbestos in drinking water should be monitored for the public health and safety.
Please note that Asbestos in drinking water can be harmful, but the risk level depends on several factors. Asbestos cement pipes, commonly used in older water systems, can release asbestos fibers into the water if the pipes degrade over time.
Regulatory Guidelines
WHO & EPA Standards: Regulatory bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have guidelines for asbestos in drinking water. The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level of 7 million fibers per liter, based on the potential risk of cancer from long-term exposure.
Degradation Over Time: Older asbestos cement pipes can degrade, especially if the water is more acidic, causing fibers to enter the water supply. Regular monitoring and replacement of aging pipes can mitigate this risk.
Gastrointestinal Cancers:
Some studies suggest that ingesting asbestos fibers, possibly through drinking water, may increase the risk of cancers in the digestive system, such as stomach and colorectal cancer. However, the evidence linking asbestos ingestion to gastrointestinal cancers is less definitive than for lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Several countries have regulations and standards in place to monitor and manage asbestos levels in drinking water, particularly those with older infrastructure that may include asbestos cement pipes. Here are a few examples:
1. **United States**:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for asbestos in drinking water at **7 million fibers per liter**. Public water systems are required to test for asbestos periodically, especially if they use asbestos cement pipes.
2. **Canada**:
- While Canada does not have a specific national standard for asbestos in drinking water, provinces like British Columbia and Ontario monitor asbestos fibers in water as part of broader water quality programs. Local water authorities may conduct tests if there are concerns about asbestos contamination.
3. **Australia**:
- Some regions in Australia monitor for asbestos, particularly where older asbestos cement pipes are still in use. Water utilities are responsible for ensuring water safety, and asbestos monitoring is done on a risk assessment basis, especially during pipe replacement or maintenance.
4. **European Union (EU)**:
- The EU has set general drinking water quality standards, and while there is no specific MCL for asbestos across all member states, some countries like **Germany** and **the Netherlands** have implemented stricter local regulations to monitor and manage asbestos in water supplies.
5. **United Kingdom (UK)**:
- The UK does not have a national standard specifically for asbestos in drinking water, but water suppliers are required to manage and test water quality based on risk assessments. If asbestos is detected or if there are concerns, action is taken to address it.
6. **Japan**:
- Japan has strict regulations for asbestos in general, and while routine testing for asbestos in drinking water may not be mandated nationwide, it is managed under the country's water quality standards, particularly where asbestos cement pipes are still in use.
Yours sincerely,
Yasir Shaikh
From: Pinaz Pithadia
Watercare Services Limited
Kia ora Yasir
Thank you for your notes. All noted.
As you may be aware, Watercare provides water and wastewater services in
the Auckland region. We are subject to regulations that governs health and
environmental matters. Our principal regulators include Taumata Arowai who
are New Zealand’s drinking water regulator. You may want to reach out to
them should you have more concerns. I set out below their contact details.
[1]https://www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/about/...
Kind regards
Pinaz
From: Yasir Shaikh <[FOI #28460 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 22 October 2024 2:14 pm
To: Pinaz Pithadia <[email address]>
Subject: RE: OIA Asbestos Cement Pipes in Auckland's Drinking Water
Infrastructure (13152908)
Dear Pinaz Pithadia, Your response in OIA: "Neither the World Health
Organisation nor Taumata Arowai (New Zealand’s drinking water regulator)
have set guideline levels for asbestos in drinking water. For this reason,
New Zealand drinking water
Dear Pinaz Pithadia,
Your response in OIA:
"Neither the World Health Organisation nor Taumata Arowai (New Zealand’s drinking water regulator) have set guideline levels for asbestos in drinking water. For this reason, New Zealand drinking water supplies are not routinely tested for asbestos."
I am really surprise that New Zealand’s drinking water is not routinely tested for asbestos considering there is a standard from WHO as stated above. Asbestos in drinking water should be monitored for the public health and safety.
Please note that Asbestos in drinking water can be harmful, but the risk level depends on several factors. Asbestos cement pipes, commonly used in older water systems, can release asbestos fibers into the water if the pipes degrade over time.
Regulatory Guidelines
WHO & EPA Standards: Regulatory bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have guidelines for asbestos in drinking water. The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level of 7 million fibers per liter, based on the potential risk of cancer from long-term exposure.
Degradation Over Time: Older asbestos cement pipes can degrade, especially if the water is more acidic, causing fibers to enter the water supply. Regular monitoring and replacement of aging pipes can mitigate this risk.
Gastrointestinal Cancers:
Some studies suggest that ingesting asbestos fibers, possibly through drinking water, may increase the risk of cancers in the digestive system, such as stomach and colorectal cancer. However, the evidence linking asbestos ingestion to gastrointestinal cancers is less definitive than for lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Several countries have regulations and standards in place to monitor and manage asbestos levels in drinking water, particularly those with older infrastructure that may include asbestos cement pipes. Here are a few examples:
1. **United States**:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for asbestos in drinking water at **7 million fibers per liter**. Public water systems are required to test for asbestos periodically, especially if they use asbestos cement pipes.
2. **Canada**:
- While Canada does not have a specific national standard for asbestos in drinking water, provinces like British Columbia and Ontario monitor asbestos fibers in water as part of broader water quality programs. Local water authorities may conduct tests if there are concerns about asbestos contamination.
3. **Australia**:
- Some regions in Australia monitor for asbestos, particularly where older asbestos cement pipes are still in use. Water utilities are responsible for ensuring water safety, and asbestos monitoring is done on a risk assessment basis, especially during pipe replacement or maintenance.
4. **European Union (EU)**:
- The EU has set general drinking water quality standards, and while there is no specific MCL for asbestos across all member states, some countries like **Germany** and **the Netherlands** have implemented stricter local regulations to monitor and manage asbestos in water supplies.
5. **United Kingdom (UK)**:
- The UK does not have a national standard specifically for asbestos in drinking water, but water suppliers are required to manage and test water quality based on risk assessments. If asbestos is detected or if there are concerns, action is taken to address it.
6. **Japan**:
- Japan has strict regulations for asbestos in general, and while routine testing for asbestos in drinking water may not be mandated nationwide, it is managed under the country's water quality standards, particularly where asbestos cement pipes are still in use.
Yours sincerely,
Yasir Shaikh
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