Water Pollution's Early History In New Zealand

Water pollution in New Zealand has been an issue since the 1800s, when urban streams were contaminated with animal and human waste, and dead animals and dung littered the streets and waterways. In the 1900s, air pollution from burning coal and waste, as well as industrial activity, became a concern, with respiratory diseases common in towns from the 1860s. By the 1960s, emissions from motor vehicles added to the problem, and by the 1970s, lead emissions from cars had become a major urban pollutant. Today, water pollution in New Zealand is an increasing concern, with population growth, rural land use, industrial activity, and urban development all contributing to the degradation of water quality.

Dairy farming

Dairy is New Zealand's biggest export earner, with 95% of its dairy exported. However, the industry has frequently been accused of polluting the country's freshwater sources. New Zealand has to deal with the cows' urine and faeces, as well as the excess chemicals from fertilisers used for their feed, which leach into waterways. This has resulted in greater levels of nitrogen in the soil, surface, and groundwater, impacting the health of the country's waterways.

The intensification of dairy farming has led to water pollution from cattle effluent in many of New Zealand's streams and rivers. The Waikato River, for example, has a long history of water pollution and now fails health regulations for human contact. The Manawatū River has also been highlighted for its high pollution levels, and Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora has suffered from eutrophication since the 1970s due to farming activities in the area.

The expansion of intensive dairy production has resulted in increased nitrogen levels in lowland rivers, with a 629% increase in the amount of nitrogen applied to the land since 1990. This has led to concerns about the health of fish species, with three-quarters of New Zealand's fish species at risk of extinction. High levels of nitrogen in drinking water can also be harmful to humans, potentially causing blue baby syndrome and being linked to bowel cancer.

There have been efforts to address water pollution due to dairy farming, such as the Dairying and Clean Streams Accord, established in 2003, and its successor, the Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord, established in 2014. Environmental groups have also been advocating for stricter limits on nitrogen levels in waterways, with some calling for a limit of 0.6mg/L.

Urban development

Water pollution in New Zealand is a growing concern, with an increase in population being linked to an increase in water pollution. Urban development is one of the main factors contributing to this issue.

Urban runoff, which includes detergents, waste oil, litter, and faecal matter, pollutes waterways and negatively impacts water quality. This type of pollution is particularly prevalent in stormwater drains, and some drains are even marked with a fish logo to highlight the issue of stormwater pollution. Urban development also contributes to diffuse pollution, which includes nutrients, pathogens, and sediments that find their way into water bodies through stormwater runoff.

The expansion of intensive dairy production in urban areas has led to increased levels of nitrogen in the soil and groundwater, further degrading water quality. This has resulted in ecological damage, such as reduced biodiversity, fish kills, and disruption of food chains. It also poses health risks to humans, as contaminated water sources can lead to waterborne diseases.

The New Zealand government has taken steps to address water pollution through legislation such as the Resource Management Act and the Natural and Built Environment Act. However, there is still work to be done to improve water quality and reduce the impact of urban development on the country's waterways.

As New Zealand continues to develop and urbanize, it is important to prioritize sustainable practices and effective waste management to minimize the impact on the country's fragile ecosystems and protect the health and well-being of its citizens. This may include implementing stricter environmental controls on urban industries and educating the public about the impacts of stormwater pollution. By working together, New Zealanders can help to protect and restore the country's precious water resources.

Industrial use

Water pollution in New Zealand is a growing concern, with a range of causes, including industrial use, rural land use, and urban development. While the country is known for its abundant water resources, the quality of its freshwater ecosystems is under threat from various human activities.

Industrial activities have been a significant contributor to water pollution in New Zealand. The Tarawera River, nicknamed "the black drain", has a long history of water pollution due mainly to industrial discharges. Similarly, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research's 1993 assessment of water quality in rivers found that industrial waste was a key factor in the poor condition of some lowland rivers.

Agricultural practices, particularly intensive dairy production, have also had a significant impact on water quality. Dairy farming has increased nitrogen levels in soil, surface water, and groundwater, affecting both lowland and highland rivers and lakes. Horticulture, arable farming, and plantation forestry have also impacted water quality, but to a lesser extent than dairy farming.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental and health impacts of water pollution in New Zealand. Various organisations, such as Forest & Bird, the Freshwater Sciences Society, and the Hydrological Society of New Zealand, have been actively working to address water pollution issues and improve freshwater management.

While New Zealand has taken measures to reduce pollution, it continues to face challenges in ensuring clean water for its citizens. The reliable supply of good-quality water is essential for the country's economy and public health, and addressing water pollution from industrial and agricultural sources remains a critical priority.

Population growth

The expansion of intensive dairy production has resulted in higher levels of nitrogen in the soil, surface, and groundwater. Between 1990 and 2012, the estimated amount of nitrogen leached from agricultural land increased by 29%. This has led to increased pollution in rivers and lakes, with about 60% deemed unfit for swimming by the Environment Ministry in 2014. Experts believe that water quality has continued to deteriorate since then.

The dairy industry's impact on water quality is not limited to nitrogen pollution. Dairy farming also contributes to water pollution through manure, sediment, and fertiliser runoff. Fencing off streams and riparian planting have been implemented to mitigate these issues, but they are more effective at reducing surface runoff pollution rather than contaminants that have already entered the water.

To address these issues, various measures have been proposed and implemented. The Dairying and Clean Streams Accord, instigated by Fonterra and government agencies, aims to limit stock access to waterways and promote sustainable farming practices. The Clean Water Package sets a target of making 90% of New Zealand's rivers and lakes swimmable by 2040. Clean-up and protection projects are underway across the country, and there is a growing focus on educating campers and tourists about responsible waste disposal.

Tourism

New Zealand's dramatic and pristine landscape has been a magnet for tourists and Hollywood directors. The country's breathtaking vistas have provided the backdrop for Hollywood epics like Lord of the Rings and underpin one of the world's most recognised tourism campaigns, "100% Pure New Zealand".

However, New Zealand's waterways are some of the most degraded in the developed world. A government report found that nearly 60% of the country's rivers carry pollution above acceptable levels, with 95-99% of rivers in pastoral, urban, and non-native forested areas contaminated. This poses a threat to the tourism industry, which relies on clean water and healthy ecosystems.

The main sources of water pollution in New Zealand include agriculture, urban runoff, and industrial discharges. The expansion of intensive dairy production has resulted in greater levels of nitrogen in the soil, surface, and groundwater, as well as increased sedimentation in lakes and coastal waters. In addition, urban development and rural land use have contributed to the decline in water quality.

To address these issues, the New Zealand government has implemented various measures. The Health (Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2007 amended the 1956 Health Act, imposing duties on all suppliers to ensure safe drinking water. The Dairying and Clean Streams Accord was also established to limit the access of livestock to waterways and reduce pollution from dairy farming. These initiatives aim to protect the country's waterways and maintain the pristine image that attracts tourists from around the world.

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