Agencies to open up on foam

Full test results are expected to reveal in the coming week whether Sanson water is clear of contamination concerns.

However, the Defence Force, which is at the centre of worries about runoff from toxic firefighting foam that was used at airbases, is not putting a date on when tests will be carried out.

‘‘At the request of the local councils, we will be testing the wells and network water supply at Bulls and the network supply at Sanson,’’ a spokesman said.

‘‘However, we do not believe there is a probability of contamination. We are testing the network on behalf of the council. No date has been set for this testing.’’

It was initially reported, based on comments from Manawatu¯ District mayor Helen Worboys, that Sanson had tested clear and Bulls was yet to be tested. Worboys later clarified routine testing at Sanson had not revealed ‘‘any of the constituent parts for the contaminant’’, and full results are not yet available.

She suggested the full test results might be known next week.

Testing began in December after it was revealed toxic chemicals from firefighting foams, used before being banned in 2011, had been found at high levels at Ohakea and Woodbourne air force bases, and the PFAS chemicals could have seeped out to nearby land.

In late January, it was confirmed the chemicals were present in high levels at nearby properties, including in water residents had been drinking.

Worboys and Horizons Regional Council representatives have been outspoken about the need for more open communication from government ministries dealing with the contamination, and Horizons has launched its own investigation.

Anyone concerned about the issue can call 0800 668 776 for information.