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Reversing the decline in our fresh water
World Water Day on 22 March focused on coping with water scarcity, a concern for many countries including New Zealand where there are increasing demands for fresh water as well as a decline in its quality. Better managing water use and reversing the decline is a high priority for government.
Keeping our streams clean – cows crossing a culvert
Photo: Fonterra.
Reports released by the Ministry in November last year (see box on page 13) show aspects of water quality have declined in some rivers over the past two decades. Although point source discharges (such as sewage and industrial waste) are now better controlled, levels of nutrients have increased. This is almost certainly the result of leaching and run off of fertilisers and animal effluent in areas of intensifying agriculture.
Government is working with partners and stakeholders to improve the way we manage fresh water resources.
Last month government, Environment Minister David Benson-Pope signed a partnership agreement for a $81.5 million fund to reduce levels of manageable nitrogen seeping into Lake Taupo.
Industry-led initiatives such as the Dairying and Clean Streams Accord continue to be supported by government. This accord has led to progress in sustainable farming practice and a reduction in impacts on waterways.
Over the past few years 75 per cent of Fonterra farmers have successfully developed ways to keep cattle out of streams, rivers and lakes. This is well above the 2007 target of 50 per cent. The dairy industry is also in the process of educating farmers about ways to improve nutrient management practices which have the added benefit of saving farmers money on fertilisers.
While water management remains the job of regional councils, the Ministry is providing tools to assist local solutions. For example, the Ministry recently consulted on a proposed national environmental standard for water measuring devices which will help provide good information about actual water use.
Water is our most precious asset and we need to do everything we can now to ensure there is abundant and high quality fresh water for future generations.
Visit www.4million.org.nz/water/community.html for projects underway in your region to clean local streams, maintain swimming places and keep groundwater clean.
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In November last year, the Ministry published three reports which provide a national picture of fresh water quality and allocation. They also look at trends over recent years. Available at www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/water/, these reports are based on regional council monitoring and consent data:
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Protecting Lake Taupo
David Benson-Pope; Jenni Vernon;
George Archer, Tuwharetoa
representative of the Joint
Committee; Mayor Clayton Stent,
Taupo District Council; and
Hon Mark Burton, MP for Taupo.
Photo:Environment Waikato.
A fund of $81.5 million has been committed to protect Lake Taupo in a project expected to be a model of both a partnership-based approach and of sustainability.
“I am sure this mission to protect Lake Taupo will become a model of sustainable development for our country,” said Environment Minister David Benson-Pope.
“This work must provide for the ongoing economic development of the area while protecting the water quality of this iconic lake. This means being creative, finding and exploring new opportunities that work and sustain in the long term, both the environment and the community.”
Benson-Pope said the Taupo project has the added significance of central government, local government, regional interests and iwi working as one. Central government, Environment Waikato and Taupo District Council have together funded the project and Ngati Tuwharetoa, as kaitiaki of the Lake, are partners in the project.
The lake is a hub of international and national toursim for its fishing, stunning scenery and crystal clear waters. It also has a special significance to Tuwharetoa as the Lake is a taonga in its rohe. Its pristine waters are under threat from land use activities in the area.
A trust is now charged with developing a programme of work for the next 15 years that will reduce 20 per cent of manageable nitrogen leaching into the lake.
Environment Waikato Chairman, Jenni Vernon, will help oversee the trust’s work. She says the trust will encourage and assist land use change, purchase land/nitrogen in the Lake Taupo catchment, and undertake other initiatives to help landowners reduce the nitrogen impact of their activities on the lake.
“To support this work, Environment Waikato has introduced a proposed change to the Waikato Regional Plan for the Taupo catchment to cap the amount of nitrogen leaching into the lake,” said Vernon.
For more information on the Lake Taupo project contact Kevin Currie on (04) 439 7590 or email kevin.currie@mfe.govt.nz
For more information on the Dairying and Clean Streams Accord contact Ken Bouma on (04) 439 7620 or ken.bouma@mfe.govt.nz
