Transcript
TERRY COE: My concern is that we haven't seen an actual report on the water quality from New Zealand. The local hospital here has done a test on the water but it cannot do all the tests. That's where we need to see a copy of the water testing done by New Zealand so that we can be assured that the quality of the water is fit for drinking.
ELEANOR WENMAN: So what sort of issues are you seeing in the general population?
TC: The general one is they'd still rather drink the New Zealand water because of the taste and also because the amount of calcium that's in the water, you know, is not conducive to the good health and also for promoting gallstones etcetera.
EW: So when was the water last tested?
TC: Well the hospital tested it probably last year sometime and they've got a label on the bottle indicating the percentages.
EW: So what would need to be done to get it up to standard? Are you imagining like filtration systems?
TC: Well, they might have to do that yes, to get rid of the calcium. There's also the ultraviolet testing that passes through an ultraviolet light that kills the bugs. Those things can be looked at if they're required.
EW: By the sounds of it, there's an extreme amount of calcium in the water. Do you know if there are any recommended levels that it should be at?
TC: There is recommended levels by the World Health - I can't quote those but ours is extremely high.
EW: And you mentioned before something about gallstones. Do you think that's related to the levels of calcium?
TC: Oh definitely, and it could be related to the salt from the seawater. If the pump is too low down in the water lens then it will pick up the salt water as well as the fresh and that aggravates the gallstones.
EW: Are there any concerns about contaminated bore sites?
TC: That's what I say about the Vaiea farm because as I say, it did have a lot of insecticides and pesticides and even DDT was there that was stored in the sheds but you know, the roofs of the sheds deteriorated and then the water got in and just leeched the chemicals down into the ground.
EW: How long ago was that leak?
TC: That's probably fifteen years ago that that's happened.
EW: And you think there might be some of that stuff left in the ground?
TC: Yeah. Yes, just to reassure the people, that all that that testing has been done and it's for the good of the country and also it's good PR. I mean to say that the water is absolutely pure and suitable for drinking.
The Niue Government has not responded to RNZ International's requests for clarification of the views raised by Mr Coe.
