Crashed Skyhawk likely cause of water contamination in Bulls Rangitikei 6 Jun, 2018 5:00am 3 minutes to read A Skyhawk crash in 1996 is the most likely source of contamination in drinking water provided to the Rangitikei town of Bulls, a regional council officer says.
Horizons Regional Council science manager Abby Matthews said groundwater and soil around Ohakea Air Force Base was found to be contaminated with PFAS compounds late last year.
They were very persistent in the environment.
Read more: Bulls drinking water safe despite chemicals, tests show Water testing around Ohakea extended More action wanted on Ohakea water contamination Their effects on human health are unknown.
More testing was done, and low levels were found in the Bulls water supply.
The Horizons Regional Council would investigate.
Once possible sources of PFAS were found around Bulls and Ohakea, samples would be taken.
Horizons was in discussion with the Government over who will pay for the latest investigation, strategy manager Nic Peet said.
A NZDF spokesperson said it was working to provide further information by June 6.
The first priority was to find the full extent of the contamination and provide safe drinking water.