Greens propose slashing drinking water nitrate limit to Denmark's standard

The Green Party's 'Drink Swim Fish' policy package, released on 6 July, proposes cutting New Zealand's drinking water nitrate limit from 11.3mg/L to 1.3mg/L — matching Denmark's agreed standard. Co-leader Marama Davidson cited figures suggesting up to 100,000 New Zealanders become ill annually from unsafe drinking water. The policy also strengthens enforcement powers for water regulator Taumata Arowai and clarifies that wastewater environmental standards are minimum thresholds, not ceilings.