Dr. Eimear Cotter:

I think what the Senator is focusing on are the standards associated with drinking water quality. This is about the ecological health of our water. We know that nitrates levels need to be much lower than the standards for drinking water. Our assessment shows that nitrate levels in rivers need to be about 8 mg per litre. The Senator is quoting higher values, which are set to protect drinking water quality. This is bringing in the ecological health of our waters.