Asbestos pipes being removed

Matamata-Piako residents have nothing to fear from drinking water which runs through asbestos cement water pipes, says a health official.

The Matamata-Piako District has around 40 per cent of its water pipe network still using the asbestos cement pipe.

Waikato District Health Board Medical Officer of Health Richard Vipond said there was no credible evidence from tests to suggest ingesting asbestos was harmful.

‘‘I can never ever say never, as there maybe someone who could possibly be affected but they would be in the low margin of error.

‘‘The issues come when asbestos particles are airborne and smokers who inhale them are at a greater risk of cancer.’’

Kaimai Consultants manager Roger Lambeth said the council had included all its known pipes in its asset management plans for its water and wastewater reticulation network.

‘‘To ensure safe practices, if we come across pipes that haven’t been identified we apply asbestos removal techniques to remove them safely.’’

Functioning asbestos pipes used for water is not considered a health risk by the council or by The World Health Organisation.

The risk is when it is dry and becomes airborne, not when it is in a water supply.

Lambeth said the management of contaminants means any dangerous substances were diverted to a holding pond for treatment

Last year government placed a $2.2 billion price tag on the cost of replacing the country’s asbestos water supply pipelines.

Asbestos cement pipes were installed for local water supply networks from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Manufacturers of the asbestos cement pipes stopped producing them in the mid-1980s.

The pipes’ life expectancy is about 50 years so many will be due for replacement.

Functioning pipes being used for water do not pose a threat to health.

The World Health Organisation has said swallowing asbestos present in water does not present the same cancer risk as inhaling dry particles.

However, asbestos pipes that are cut or broken when dry can pose a health risk if particles are released into the air.