The LNP has promised to review drinking water standards after contamination by toxic chemicals near Defence bases.

Late last week, new safe drinking water standards for the chemicals PFOS and PFOA were released.

But the new Australian guidelines allow levels 78 times higher than the US Environmental Protection Agency allows.

Residents near the contaminated RAAF bases at Williamtown near Newcastle say the new guidelines appear to be aimed at reducing liability.

They argue that the enHealth decision was based on outdated evidence about the chemicals.

This week, Health Minister Sussan Ley and Defence Minister Marise Payne released a joint statement promising an independent review, if the Coalition is re-elected.

The local Liberal candidate, Karen Howard, spoke about the Coalition's response.

“The independent review of enHealth guidelines within 30 days under a re-elected Turnbull Government, which is three times faster than under a re-elected Labor Government is absolutely the right thing to do,” she told reporters.

“The issue of PFC contamination is one of the most significant concerns for this community and I am very serious about seeing this issue through.”