Summary

In 2022 ESR coordinated a survey of pesticides in groundwater throughout New Zealand. The survey has been completed every four years since 1990 with 2022 being the ninth consecutive survey. Regional and Unitary Authorities carried out the well sampling. Emerging Organic Contaminants (EOCs) were also included and the 2022 survey was the first time that Per- and Polyfluoralkyl Substances (PFAS) were included in the suite of compounds analysed. This report will focus on the results of the PFAS sampling. The analysis for PFAS was carried out by AsureQuality and funding for the additional analyses and data analysis was provided by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). ESR’s role was to coordinate the survey, advise on well selection as needed, collate and interpret the results and provide a national summary report.