Greta Jimenez
New Zealand's waterways are facing a pollution crisis, with a significant percentage of its rivers and lakes in a poor or very poor state. While the country has a reputation for its pristine natural environment, conflicts over water usage and pollution are coming to a head. The primary sources of river pollution in New Zealand include agricultural runoff, urban and industrial discharges, and diffuse pollution from land use, particularly pastoral and dairy farming. This has resulted in excessive nutrients, reduced water clarity, and bacterial contamination, impacting aquatic ecosystems and human health. Environmental testing by Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) revealed that over 80% of lowland lakes and rivers surveyed were of substandard quality, with two-thirds of river sites monitored for E. coli graded D or E, indicating a potential health risk. These findings highlight the urgent need for action to protect and restore the health of New Zealand's waterways.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of data | July 2018 – June 2023 |
| Number of sites monitored | 1,500+ |
| Water quality indicators | Chemical-physical, bacterial, ecological |
| Percentage of sites with poor water clarity | 38% |
| Percentage of sites with high DRP levels | 50%+ |
| Percentage of sites with high nitrate and ammonia levels | Small % |
| Percentage of sites with high E. coli levels | 66% |
| Main causes of water quality degradation | Diffuse pollution from land use, dairy farming, urban runoff, industrial discharges |
| Most polluted region | Auckland |
| Percentage of polluted waterways in Auckland | 62% |
| Percentage of polluted lowland lakes and rivers | 80%+ |
| Percentage of polluted river sites overall | 66% |
| Government response | Renewed promise to clean up waterways |
| Pushback from | Dairy industry |
| Legal case by | Ngāi Tahu, New Zealand's wealthiest Māori tribe |
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What You'll Learn
Dairy farming and water pollution
Dairy farming has had a significant impact on water pollution in New Zealand. The country's dairy industry, which contributes significantly to the economy, has been frequently accused of polluting freshwater sources. The issue is primarily attributed to the large number of cows and the excessive use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser on pastures.
The high number of cows in dairy farming leads to increased urine and faeces, which can contaminate waterways. Additionally, the use of nitrogen-based fertilisers has resulted in greater levels of nitrogen in the soil, surface water, and groundwater. Since 1990, the amount of nitrogen applied to the land in New Zealand has increased by 629%, from 62,000 to 452,000 tonnes. This has led to nitrate pollution in rivers and groundwater, with regions like Canterbury, Southland, and Waikato being particularly at risk.
The impact of dairy farming on water pollution was highlighted in a 2016 Greenpeace video, which stated that over 60% of monitored rivers in New Zealand were unsafe for swimming due to pollution. This video was controversial and appealed by DairyNZ, but the Advertising Standards Authority upheld Greenpeace's claims. The excessive nutrients, reduced water clarity due to suspended sediments, and pollution by faecal bacteria have all contributed to the degradation of water quality in New Zealand's rivers.
The expansion of intensive dairy production has also led to the degradation of lowland rivers. The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research concluded in 1993 that "some lowland river reaches in agriculturally developed catchments are in poor condition," reflecting the impact of "agriculturally derived diffuse and point source waste inputs." The key contaminants identified in these rivers were dissolved inorganic nitrogen, dissolved reactive phosphorus, sediment, and coliforms.
To address water pollution from dairy farming, there have been calls for stricter environmental controls on farmers and a reduction in the limit of nitrate pollution in waterways to below 1 mg/L. Environmental groups such as Greenpeace, Choose Clean Water, Forest & Bird, and the Environmental Defense Society have urged the government to accept the scientific consensus on ecosystem health and nitrate pollution. Additionally, efficient water management practices on dairy farms can help mitigate the impact on waterways. This includes mapping water infrastructure and addressing problem areas, as well as implementing farm dairy effluent systems to manage waste effectively.
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Water quality testing and results
Water quality testing in New Zealand is conducted by various organisations, including regional councils, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), and Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA). These organisations monitor different aspects of water quality, such as chemical, physical, and bacterial indicators, to assess the health of the country's rivers and streams.
One of the key methods used in water quality testing is the analysis of macroinvertebrates, which provide an indicator of the ecological health of wadeable streams and rivers. Certain species of macroinvertebrates are sensitive to poor water quality and are only found at healthy river sites, while other species can tolerate poor water quality and dominate the macroinvertebrate community at polluted sites. This method helps identify the pollution tolerances of different species and their response to various factors such as physical habitat change, oxygen levels, and climate change.
In addition to macroinvertebrate analysis, water clarity and dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) are also important factors in determining river and stream ecosystem health. Water clarity is assessed through the measurement of suspended fine sediment, which can impact aquatic life. DRP, a nutrient that can contribute to excessive plant and algae growth, is another key indicator of water quality.
The National Rivers Water Quality Network (NRWQN), operated by NIWA, provides national-scale water quality data by regularly sampling 77 sites, including 35 major rivers that drain 50% of New Zealand's land area. Regional councils also monitor water quality at approximately 500 sites for state of the environment (SoE) reporting. Despite generally meeting international standards, NIWA freshwater scientist Rob Davies-Colley notes that the overall water quality in New Zealand is declining.
According to NRWQN and SoE monitoring, the main cause of water quality degradation in New Zealand is diffuse pollution from land use, particularly agricultural and urban runoff. Dairy farming has been identified as a significant contributor to river pollution, with excessive nutrients leading to algal blooms and increased nitrogen levels in waterways. Urban runoff also introduces pollutants such as detergents, waste oil, litter, and faecal matter into stormwater drains.
In January 2019, Auckland was identified as the region with the most polluted waterways in New Zealand, with 62% of its rivers and lakes graded as poor for swimming. However, there have been improvements in water quality across the country since 2018, as monitored by LAWA data. LAWA's monitoring of 1,727 rivers and lakes revealed that while some areas have exceptionally high-quality water, more than 80% of lowland lakes and rivers were of substandard quality, graded as 'poor' or 'very poor'.
The Green Party has advocated for tighter rules on synthetic fertiliser use and the implementation of intensive winter grazing rules to reduce nutrient pollution and sediment runoff, which are significant contributors to water degradation.
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Water pollution's ecological impact
Water pollution is a pressing issue in New Zealand, with conflicts over water resources and pollution issues threatening the country's clean and green image. While there is no exact percentage of polluted rivers in New Zealand, a 2008 opinion poll by EOS Ecology ranked water pollution and water-related issues as the number one environmental concern in the country.
The ecological impact of water pollution in New Zealand is significant, with pollutants from agriculture, urban runoff, and industrial discharges degrading water quality in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. This pollution harms aquatic ecosystems, leading to reduced biodiversity, fish kills, and disruption of food chains. For example, the Tasman Pulp and Paper Mill has been discharging waste into the Tarawera River since 1955, impacting the health of the aquatic life within it and the surrounding ecosystem.
One of the main contributors to water pollution in New Zealand is intensive dairy farming, which has resulted in increased nitrogen levels in waterways and soil. In 2013, Fish and Game New Zealand started the "Dirty Dairying" campaign to highlight the effect of pollution from farming intensification on the environment. A controversial Greenpeace video in 2016 also brought attention to the issue, stating that over 60% of monitored rivers were unsafe for swimming due to pollution.
Other sources of water pollution in New Zealand include urban runoff, which contains detergents, waste oil, litter, and faecal matter, and industrial processing, where process wastewater is discharged into waterways. High-intensity storms and heavy rainfall events have also contributed to water pollution, with millions of tonnes of sediment changing fluvial systems and increasing organic bed loads and deposition in lakes and coastal waters.
The impact of water pollution on aquatic ecosystems is far-reaching, and it affects not only the environment but also human health and cultural practices. Contaminated water sources pose risks to those who consume polluted water or seafood, with potential health consequences including diarrhoea, skin diseases, malnutrition, and even cancer. For indigenous Māori communities, water pollution affects their cultural identity and wellbeing by impacting their traditional uses of water bodies.
To address water pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems, it is crucial to identify the sources of pollution, implement effective wastewater treatment practices, and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers that can contaminate water bodies. By taking proactive measures, New Zealand can work towards preserving the health and biodiversity of its rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
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Water pollution's cultural impact
Water pollution in New Zealand has impacted the cultural practices and wellbeing of indigenous Māori communities. Their traditional uses of water bodies have been affected, and their cultural identity has been harmed.
The expansion of intensive dairy production has resulted in greater levels of nitrogen in the soil, surface, and groundwater. This has led to a decline in water quality, especially in lowland rivers, with key contaminants including dissolved inorganic nitrogen, dissolved reactive phosphorus, sediment, and coliforms. The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research summarized data in 1993, concluding that some lowland rivers in agriculturally developed areas were in poor condition due to agricultural and industrial waste inputs.
The Dairying and Clean Streams Accord was established to address water pollution from dairy farming, aiming to limit stock access to waterways. Regional councils have also imposed more regulatory requirements on farmers, with some requiring Farm Environment Plans to manage environmental risks related to activities such as effluent discharge and irrigation.
In addition to agricultural impacts, urban runoff and industrial discharges contribute to water pollution in New Zealand. This pollution has ecological consequences, reducing biodiversity, causing fish kills, and disrupting food chains. It also poses health risks to humans through the consumption of polluted water and seafood.
Water pollution in New Zealand has cultural, ecological, and health impacts, and addressing these issues requires a collaborative approach that balances economic growth with the need for clean water.
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Water pollution sources
Water pollution in New Zealand has had negative impacts on the environment, economy, and public health. The sources of water pollution in New Zealand can be attributed to a combination of factors, including agriculture, urban development, industrial activity, and population growth.
Agriculture
Agricultural practices, particularly intensive dairy farming and pastoral farming, have been identified as significant contributors to water pollution in New Zealand. The expansion of dairy production has led to increased levels of nitrogen in soil and water systems. Dairy effluent and grazing animals contribute to high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in waterways, impacting aquatic ecosystems and water quality. In 2016, Greenpeace highlighted that over 60% of monitored rivers were unsafe for swimming due to pollution from dairy farming. Additionally, sediment from erosion, intensified by farming practices, has altered fluvial systems and increased organic content in waterways.
Urban Development and Runoff
Urban development and runoff are also responsible for water pollution in New Zealand. Urban rivers are generally the most polluted, with stormwater carrying pollutants such as nutrients, pathogens, and sediments into waterways. The increase in population has put pressure on freshwater resources, and urban runoff contaminates water sources, posing risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems.
Industrial Activity
Industrial discharges and processing contribute to water pollution in New Zealand. Industrial wastewater, containing various contaminants, is often discharged into rivers and streams. For example, the Tasman Pulp and Paper Mill has been releasing waste into the Tarawera River since 1955. Additionally, Fonterra has been discharging wastewater with milk condensate into a tributary of the Mangatainoka River. These industrial activities negatively impact water quality and aquatic life.
Population Growth
The increase in population is linked to a rise in water pollution. As the population grows, there is more pressure on water resources, and pollution sources become more diverse. Rural land use, industrial activities, and urban development all contribute to water pollution. Diffuse pollution, such as nutrients, pathogens, and sediments from various sources, becomes harder to control as the population increases.
While New Zealand has made efforts to improve water quality, such as better management of point sources of pollution and upgrading treatment facilities, diffuse pollution and the impact of agricultural practices remain ongoing challenges.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no clear percentage of polluted rivers in New Zealand, it is evident that pollution is a significant issue. In 2022, over 80% of low-lying lakes and rivers were surveyed as 'poor' or 'very poor'.
River pollution in New Zealand is primarily attributed to intensive land use, particularly pastoral and dairy farming. Urban runoff, industrial discharges, and stormwater pollution also contribute to the issue.
River pollution has several detrimental effects on the environment, economy, and public health. It degrades aquatic ecosystems, reduces biodiversity, harms human health through contaminated water sources, and disrupts the cultural traditions of indigenous Māori communities.
Efforts are being made to address river pollution in New Zealand. The Land and Water Forum is working to find collaborative solutions to water resource issues. The government has also introduced stricter environmental controls on farmers, leading to improvements in waterway quality. Additionally, organisations like LAWA (Land, Air, Water Aotearoa) provide environmental data and monitoring to track the condition of rivers and lakes.
