Meghan Hodges
Water pollution in New Zealand is a growing concern for those who care about the country's waterways and the environment, with 45% of the country's rivers deemed unswimmable due to the risk of bacterial infection. The main causes of this pollution are rural land use, industrial use, and urban development, with agriculture being a major contributor. Dairy farming, in particular, has been singled out as a significant source of pollution, with the powerful dairy industry resisting government attempts to clean up the waterways. Intensive farming practices, such as the use of synthetic fertilizers and the intensification of livestock farming, have led to increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water, which can have marked effects on aquatic ecosystems. Other sources of pollution include horticulture and arable farming, and stormwater runoff, which can contain nutrients, pathogens, and sediments. The New Zealand government has implemented various measures to address water pollution, including establishing an Environmental Protection Agency and monitoring water quality through the National Rivers Water Quality Network (NRWQN). However, despite these efforts, water quality in many of New Zealand's rivers continues to decline, posing risks to both the environment and public health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water quality monitoring sites | More than 800 |
| Region with the most polluted waterways | Auckland |
| Percentage of rivers and lakes graded poor for swimming in Auckland | 62% |
| Percentage of rivers and lakes graded good in Auckland | 0% |
| Region with polluting rivers due to dairy farming | Canterbury |
| Percentage of New Zealand's irrigated land in Canterbury in 2017 | 64% |
| River experiencing regular algal blooms | Selwyn River |
| Percentage of New Zealand's river length deemed unswimmable | 45% |
| Percentage of New Zealand's river network that is partially inaccessible to migratory fish | 48% |
| Number of reported wastewater overflows from July 2020 to June 2021 | 4200+ |
| Percentage of lake monitoring sites that worsened between 2011 and 2020 | 45% |
| Percentage of lake monitoring sites that improved between 2011 and 2020 | 36% |
| Percentage of monitored sites graded band D or worse, indicating unsuitability for swimming | 66% |
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What You'll Learn
Dairy farming and irrigation
The dairy industry has been identified as a major contributor to this pollution. With the growth of dairy farms, there has been an increase in nutrient runoff, including excess nitrogen from fertiliser and cattle urine, which has contaminated rivers and groundwater. This has led to algal blooms, reduced oxygen levels, and decreased light penetration, threatening the health of freshwater ecosystems and putting human health at risk.
In the Canterbury region, the expansion of dairy farming and large-scale irrigation since the late 1980s has been blamed for the pollution of many rivers. The use of irrigation schemes and synthetic fertilisers has transformed the region, making it possible to sustain dairy farming on previously unsuitable land. However, this has come at the cost of water quality. The Selwyn River, for example, has become a poster child for water mismanagement, with regular algal blooms and toxic cyanobacteria posing risks to both humans and animals.
To address these issues, there have been calls for regulatory action and a shift towards ecological farming practices that work in harmony with the environment. The previous government introduced national freshwater regulations, but the current government has been criticised for rolling back protections and prioritising economic interests over environmental concerns.
While the dairy industry and irrigation lobbyists dispute the impact of dairy farming, arguing that pollution is a result of historical farming practices, the scientific community, independent environmentalists, and economists maintain that the intensive nature of the dairy industry is a primary driver of New Zealand's water pollution crisis.
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Urban development
Water pollution in New Zealand is a growing concern, and urban development is a significant contributor to this issue. While the country boasts 425,000 kilometres of rivers and streams, valued by Kiwis for recreation and by indigenous Māori communities for cultural practices, these waterways are under threat.
The effects of urban development on water pollution are especially evident in areas with high population densities. Auckland, for instance, is the region with New Zealand's most polluted waterways, with 62% of its rivers and lakes graded as poor for swimming. Urban streams generally receive the worst scores for water quality, and while they make up only 1% of the country's total river length, they are important as almost 9 out of 10 New Zealanders live in urban areas.
To address water pollution from urban development, New Zealand must implement stricter environmental controls and improve land use practices. Reducing nutrient pollution and sediment runoff, phasing out synthetic fertiliser use, and enhancing stormwater management are crucial steps. By integrating science into decision-making, the country can make informed choices to protect its treasured waterways and the health of its people, environment, and economy.
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Industrial use
Water pollution in New Zealand is a growing concern, with industrial use being one of the key contributors. Industrial processing often involves the discharge of wastewater into waterways, which can have detrimental effects on the environment, public health, and the economy.
One notable example of industrial pollution in New Zealand is the contamination of the Tarawera River, which has earned the nickname "the black drain" due to its history of water pollution. The Tasman Pulp and Paper Mill has been discharging waste into the Tarawera River since 1955, impacting the health of the aquatic ecosystem.
Another instance of industrial pollution is the discharge of wastewater by Fonterra, New Zealand's largest company and a major player in the country's dairy industry. Fonterra has been releasing wastewater containing milk condensate into the Tui River, a tributary of the Mangatainoka River. This type of pollution has led to excessive nutrients in the water, promoting the growth of nuisance riverbed algae and undesirable water weeds.
The dairy industry's intensive farming practices, including the use of fertilisers and irrigation, have also contributed to water pollution in rivers. The Selwyn River in the Canterbury Plains is a notable example, where regular algal blooms indicate excessive nutrients in the water. The expansion of intensive dairy production has increased nitrogen levels in the soil and water, impacting both surface and groundwater quality.
While industrial use is a significant contributor to water pollution in New Zealand, it is important to note that other factors, such as agricultural practices, urban development, and climate change, also play a role in degrading freshwater quality. The collaboration between government, industries, and communities is crucial to addressing the complex issue of water pollution and ensuring the sustainability of New Zealand's precious freshwater resources.
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Stormwater and wastewater
One of the main sources of river pollution in New Zealand is urban runoff or stormwater. This includes pollutants such as detergents, waste oil, litter, and
Broken sewers and faulty connections in urban areas can also allow sewage to enter stormwater systems, further contaminating rivers. Additionally, freedom camping, a popular activity in some areas, has been suspected of causing water pollution due to the incorrect disposal of human waste.
Agricultural activities, particularly dairy farming, have also been identified as significant contributors to river pollution in New Zealand. The expansion of intensive dairy production has led to increased levels of nitrogen and other contaminants in soil and water. In 2016, Greenpeace released a controversial video highlighting that over 60% of monitored rivers in New Zealand were unsafe for swimming due to agricultural pollution.
To address these issues, New Zealand has implemented various measures. The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, updated in 2020, sets safe "bottom line" levels for nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, and E. coli in the country's rivers, lakes, and estuaries. Regional councils are responsible for addressing water use and misuse issues under the Resource Management Act. Additionally, there are over 800 water quality monitoring sites across New Zealand that regularly sample waterways to assess their health.
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Sediment and nutrient pollution
Water pollution in New Zealand is a growing concern, with an increase in population linked to a rise in water pollution. This is due to a range of factors, including rural land use, industrial activity, and urban development. Agriculture is a significant contributor, particularly intensive dairy farming, which has led to increased nitrogen levels in soil and water. The expansion of dairy farming in the Canterbury region has resulted in pollution of many rivers, including the Selwyn River, which has become a poster child for the country's freshwater issues.
Sediment from erosion and high-intensity storms is another major source of pollution, altering fluvial systems and increasing organic content in lakes and coastal waters. Dairy farming has been singled out as having a more detrimental impact than other agricultural practices, with some evidence of urea use leading to elevated nitrogen levels. Horticulture, arable farming, and forestry generally have less effect. Regional councils have been imposing stricter requirements on farmers to reduce environmental impacts, including the creation of Farm Environment Plans.
The impact of water pollution extends beyond the ecological to affect public health and the economy. Contaminated water sources pose risks to human health, with waterborne diseases such as giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis resulting from microbial contamination. The proliferation of toxic cyanobacteria in rivers, for instance, can be harmful to humans and deadly to dogs. Water pollution also incurs economic costs, impacting industries such as fisheries and tourism that rely on clean water and healthy ecosystems.
Nutrient pollution, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, is a significant issue in New Zealand's waterways. While these nutrients are valuable on land, they can cause excessive growth of weeds, slime, and algae in water bodies. This leads to reduced biodiversity, fish kills, and disruption of food chains. The Selwyn River, for example, experiences regular algal blooms fuelled by excessive nutrients from dairy farms.
To address these issues, the New Zealand government has renewed its promise to clean up the waterways. However, this effort faces resistance from the powerful dairy industry, a major contributor to the country's economy. The conflict between preserving New Zealand's reputation for pristine wilderness and its lucrative dairy exports has led to legal challenges from Māori tribes seeking authority over freshwater resources.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no exact number, a report found that 45% of New Zealand's river length was deemed unswimmable due to the risk of bacterial infection between 2016 and 2020.
River pollution in New Zealand is mainly caused by intensive pastoral farming, particularly dairy farming, and the use of synthetic fertilisers.
As of January 2019, Auckland is the region with New Zealand's most polluted waterways, with 62% of rivers and lakes graded as poor for swimming.
River pollution in New Zealand has several negative impacts on the environment, economy, and public health. It causes ecological damage, health risks, and economic costs.
The New Zealand government has implemented reforms to the Resource Management Act (RMA) and established an Environmental Protection Agency. The Land and Water Forum is also working on finding collaborative solutions to water resource issues.
