Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
What is being done about our water quality?
Improving water quality is a team effort, not only by us and our partners – Te Whatu Ora, territorial authorities and Rūnanga – but also with the community,” Shirley said.
“Residents play an important part, especially around the Lyttelton/Whakaraupō Harbour and Akaroa, where the Christchurch City Council continues its investigation into how these contaminants are entering waterways in the area.
“The investigation is complex as every public and private connection poses a potential contamination source, so investigations will take some time,” Shirley said.
To help with the investigation, those who live in Lyttelton/Whakaraupō Harbour and Akaroa are encouraged to:
- Report any spillages, leaks, or pollution you see near waterways or drains.
- Pick up dog poo – never leave it on walking tracks, pavements or the beach where it can wash into drains and waterways.
- Always use the public toilets provided.
- When boating, dispose of on-board waste appropriately. Check the location of local dump stations and public toilets before you head out on your trip.
- Make sure your downpipes are not connected to your wastewater system – this can cause overflows into the stormwater network.
- Get your septic tank checked to make sure it is operating correctly.
“We want to engage with the community on this topic, so we will be coming along to some local markets and events to give residents an opportunity to talk to us about water quality,” Shirley said.
“We are also boosting our personnel, including laboratory availability, over the Christmas/New Year period to ensure we have the capability to respond in a timely manner if any issues or spikes in poor water quality occur over this time,” she added.
Recreational water users are encouraged to check lawa.org.nz before undertaking any activities on or in the water.
Swimming at any recreational site is not recommended within 48 hours after rainfall, regardless of the site’s grade. Rain can wash contaminants from roofs, land, drains and streams into waterways, making them temporarily unsafe for swimming.
