Government backs Ōhakea water scheme for PFAS-contaminated properties

The Government will $10.8 million towards a scheme to bring clean water to Manawatū properties affected by Ōhakea air force base's firefighting foam contamination.

The water and soil around the base is contaminated with the chemical PFAS, which is found in a variety of products and firefighting foams previously used there.

The chemical seeped into the groundwater and nearby waterways, where it is expected to continue posing a risk for as long as 125 years, over an area as big as 1600 hectares.

For the past two years, Manawatū residents within the affected area have relied on temporary drinking water supplies provided by the Defence Force.  Read more

Drinking Water Environment Freshwater PFOS PFOA Water Supply Water Treatment