Environment groups are outraged at a proposal by the brand new water regulator to increase the amounts of some toxic chemicals allowed in drinking water.
Pesticide Action Network NZ coordinator Dr Meriel Watts says it is "bizarre" and "unjustified".
Consultation on the new drinking water standards closed yesterday.
Taumata Arowai is a key pillar of the Government's Three Waters reform programme - and came out of the inquiry into the Havelock North's drinking water supply contamination outbreak.
Taumata Arowai says the standard were reviewed by the Crown research agency ESR, the Cawthron Institute, the Ministry of Health and are aligned with World Health Organisation guidelines.
Dr Watts spoke to Susie Ferguson.
