Summary

The aim of this report is to improve our understanding of wastewater as a source of pesticides to the environment in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the potential impacts with regards to human health. To do so, we reviewed the available literature to determine the presence of pesticides in New Zealand municipal wastewaters, and the efficacy of the wastewater treatment processes commonly used in New Zealand WWTPs in removing those compounds. Subsequently, data was entered into an exposure assessment model to estimate the potential human health risks associated with exposure to wastewater-borne pesticides during recreational use of aquatic environments impacted by wastewater discharge.