Water quality has improved in the Dannevirke and Central Hawke's Bay region.
Water quality has improved in the Dannevirke and Central Hawke's Bay region.
An independent report has shown that water quality for sediment and E. coli have improved over the past seven to 10 years in the Horizons Region, which includes Tararua.
There are encouraging signs that interventions are contributing to water quality improvements.
The study was commissioned jointly by the Ministry forthe Environment and Horizons Regional Council to understand improving water quality trends in the region. Ministry for the Environment Deputy Secretary — Water Cheryl Barnes says the study shows considerable progress can be made in reasonably short timeframes.
"The key was taking a planned, whole of catchment approach and prioritising effort and investment where it would make the most difference."
Horizons Regional Council natural resources and partnership group manager Dr Jon Roygard says the case study demonstrates how regulatory and non-regulatory intervention, including farm plans, targeting action on highly erodible land, upgrading point source discharges and undertaking fencing and planting of stream margins can effectively improve water quality.
"Further fencing and planting has also been completed through Freshwater Grants and a Clean Up Fund project through the Manawatu River Leaders' Forum."
