Our National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM) gives minimum acceptable levels of water contaminants. Throughout New Zealand, these loads are above acceptable and require load reduction. Loads are impacted by natural processes and land management practices.

The dataset - what is it?

A detailed document provides the current state of 4 contaminants - nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and sediment in New Zealand water bodies. The receiving water bodies are lakes, rivers and estuaries. For each of the four contaminants compliance, local excess loads, regional and national load reduction and critical catchments are covered.

Why it's important

Ecosystem health and water quality are paramount to support all water uses. The purpose of this document is to assist Regional Councils to set catchment practices. Regional Councils may adjust allowable land use activities impacting Māori landowners.

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.

Adding excess nitrogen to natural aquatic environments can have detrimental effects. Detrimental effects include impairing animal survival, growth, reproduction, and excessive plant growth.

The dataset - What is it?

View details on the minimal standard required in various water bodies, set by government policy. In respect to these policies see the current degree of compliance. You can view the total nitrogen load (TN) and exceeding the maximum allowable load (MAL) on a map of New Zealand.

Why it's important

Freshwater policy sets maximum allowable loads for nitrogen in catchments. While policy and associated limits may change over time, it is generally accepted that many regions across Aotearoa (43% in 2023) are currently operating in excess of the maximum allowable load. Therefore, either changes in land use or land management practice are required in order to bring total nitrogen loads down.

Adding excess nitrogen to natural aquatic environments can have detrimental effects. Detrimental effects include impairing animal survival, growth, reproduction, and excessive plant growth.

The dataset - What is it?

View details on the minimal standard required in various water bodies, set by government policy. In respect to these policies see the current degree of compliance. You can view the total nitrogen load (TN) and exceeding the maximum allowable load (MAL) on a map of New Zealand.

Why it's important

Freshwater policy sets maximum allowable loads for nitrogen in catchments. While policy and associated limits may change over time, it is generally accepted that many regions across Aotearoa (43% in 2023) are currently operating in excess of the maximum allowable load. Therefore, either changes in land use or land management practice are required in order to bring total nitrogen loads down.

Suspended sediment loads cause environmental degradation of water ways. The fine sediment particles in the water reduce clarity blocking light, impacting growth and respiration of aquatic life.

The dataset - What is it?

The data set shows the total sediment load and sediment load reduction required across regions of New Zealand by table and map.

Natural processes such as glaciers can result in contaminant concentrations that are non-compliant with national bottom lines. The areas requiring the greatest reduction in sediment loss are Manawatu and Otago.

Why it's important

When thinking about land use, understanding the current pressures within a catchment and a region are important. Sediment is major pressure across Aotearoa. So, thinking about sediment implication of different land uses in the context of current pressures is important.