Whatever it takes to protect our water

We need to do whatever it takes to prevent pollution including upholding rules and bylaws that prohibit the discharge of contaminants to the stormwater network.

That is the word from Greater Wellington Regional Council Environmental Spokesperson Barbara Donaldson who has congratulated Porirua City Council for moving to introduce a new stormwater bylaw.

"Clean natural water is a limited resource and we just have to find better ways to manage how we use chemicals and in our daily lives. It is not news that washing cars, paintbrushes and other chemical laden surfaces where water runs into the stormwater system ultimately leads to pollution of our waterways, lakes and coast.  

"Even bio-degradable products may take some time to break down and could have an impact on aquatic life while the residue you are removing is likely to contain contaminants such as petrochemicals, metals, carbon and sediments that do not break down," Councillor Donaldson says.

Porirua City Council's bylaw gives support to an existing Regional Plan rule that, if breached, can result in a warning or an infringement notice and fee of $300 to $1000. So discharges to stormwater systems are prohibited right across the Wellington Region.

"As individuals and as communities we have to do whatever we can to protect natural water quality for future generations," Councillor Donaldson says.