Government agencies are investigating potential water contamination around Ohakea and Woodbourne airbases.

Photo: Pool / Warwick Smith / Fairfax NZ

The Environment Minister David Parker said the Defence Force has found levels of two compounds PFOS and PFOA, above guidelines on groundwater at these site.

"As a result we wish to test the water of properties neighbouring the bases, to see if their water is contaminated," he said.

"The advice of health officials, based on what we know right now, is that there is no acute human health risk, but it is prudent to test drinking water."

The two compounds were historically used to fight and train for flammable liquid fires but can no longer be imported or manufactured here.

Neither the Defence Force or the Fire and Emergency Service routinely use foams containing these compounds any more.

Staff from Defence and the Ministry of Health have already begun contacting potentially affected properties and talking with residents.

Testing will not be carried out on a private property if landowners deny permission.

The Environment Minister David Parker said the Defence Force has found levels of two compounds PFOS and PFOA, above guidelines on groundwater at these site.

"As a result we wish to test the water of properties neighbouring the bases, to see if their water is contaminated," he said.

"The advice of health officials, based on what we know right now, is that there is no acute human health risk, but it is prudent to test drinking water."

The Enviroment Ministry said if people in neighbouring properties have not yet received a letter, it was likely they were not affected.

Residents who live in the area and have questions can call 0800 668 766 for further information.

The ministry expects it will take several weeks to contact property owners and conduct testing, with results expected around mid-January.

It said the results would be provided to affected landowners and statutory agencies which were working on the issue, futhermore they would be treated as confidential and not disclosed unless required to by law.