Nitrate contamination in drinking water and colorectal cancer: exposure assessment and estimated health burden in New Zealand

Background

Epidemiological evidence in multiple jurisdictions has shown an association between nitrate exposure in drinking water and an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Objective

We aimed to review the extent of nitrate contamination in New Zealand drinking water and estimate the health and financial burden of nitrate-attributable CRC.

Methods

We collated data on nitrate concentrations in drinking water for an estimated 85% of the New Zealand population (∼4 million people) who were on registered supplies. We estimated nitrate levels for the remaining population (∼600,000 people) based on samples from 371 unregistered (private) supplies. We used the effective rate ratio from previous epidemiological studies to estimate CRC cases and deaths attributable to nitrate in drinking water.

Results

Three-quarters of New Zealanders are on water supplies with less than 1 mg/L NO3-N. The population weighted average for nitrate exposure for people on registered supplies was 0.49 mg/L NO₃-N with 1.91% (95%CI 0.49, 3.30) of CRC cases attributable to nitrates. This correlates to 49.7 cases per year (95%CI 14.9, 101.5) at a cost of 21.3 million USD (95% 6.4, 43.5 million USD). When combining registered and unregistered supplies, we estimated 3.26% (95%CI 0.84, 5.57) of CRC cases were attributable to nitrates, resulting in 100 cases (95%CI 25.7, 171.3) and 41 deaths (95%CI 10.5, 69.7) at a cost of 43.2 million USD (95%CI 10.9, 73.4).

Conclusion

A substantial minority of New Zealanders are exposed to high or unknown levels of nitrates in their drinking water. Given the international epidemiological studies showing an association between cancer and nitrate ingestion from drinking water, this exposure may cause an important burden of preventable CRC cases, deaths, and economic costs. We consider there is sufficient evidence to justify a review of drinking water standards. Protecting public health adds to the strong environmental arguments to improve water management in New Zealand.

CRC,Colorectal Cancer: NO₃-N, Nitrate-Nitrogen: the amount of nitrogen that is in the nitrate ion; NZ, New Zealand; NOC, N-nitroso compounds; MoH, Ministry of Health; DHB, District Health Board; ESR, Environmental Science and Research; PAF, population attributable fraction