Water pollution in New Zealand
Water pollution in New Zealand is an increasing concern for those who use and care for waterways and for New Zealand regulatory bodies. An increase in population is linked to an increase in water pollution, due to a range of causes such as rural land use, industrial use and urban development. Fresh water quality is under pressure from agriculture, hydropower, urban development, pest invasions and climate change. While pollution from point sources has been reduced, diffuse pollution such as nutrients, pathogens and sediments development and from stormwater in towns is not under control. There are more than 800 water quality monitoring sites around New Zealand that are regularly sampled.
A sign warning of water pollution on the Waimakariri River, 2004
Surface water drain cover in Rotorua showing advisory fish symbol
The Tarawera River is in the Bay of Plenty Region in the North Island of New Zealand.
Tarawera River on the Rangitaiki Plains
Upper Tarawera River.
Tarawera Falls on a misty high flow day.
Easterly view across Tarawera River in its flood plain towards Putauaki.