Waikato's water quality worsens

Waikato's river and stream water quality is getting worse and Environment Waikato blames more intensive farming.

But Waikato Federated Farmers president John Fisher says the results of improved farming practices over recent years have yet to filter through.

A 15-year study shows water pH (acidity and alkaline) levels are deteriorating and that harmful nitrogen and phosphorus traces are increasing.

The catchments of Hauraki and Coromandel, tributaries of the lowland Waikato, the Awakino and Mokau rivers, and the inflows of Lake Taupo, were tested.

A report on the study was released by Environment Waikato yesterday.