Current state vs freshwater objectives: E. coli

Escherichia coli (E. coli) enters our waterways through animal waste contamination. It is a human health issue that can limit swimming areas and mahinga kai practices as it can cause severe illness. Of the water contaminants of nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment and E. coli, E. coli requires the most reduction.

The dataset - what is it?

E. coli is estimated in its current state and shown as

• local excess loads;
• regional and national load reduction required; and
• most problematic catchments. 

Maps and tables by region show the reduction required to the current levels of E.coli in water catchments to meet minimum standards. This is up to an average of 91% in Waikato and 19% on the West Coast. 

Why it's important

E. coli loads need to be reduced in catchments comprising 79% of the land area of New Zealand. Land use hosting warm-blooded animals requires containment planning. In areas requiring the greatest reduction alternative land uses may be required.