Mitigation

Here are some simple steps to minimise the effects of nutrient overloading on water quality and mahinga kai.

• Fence waterways to prevent stock access.
• Create a buffer zone of long grass from 5 to 10 m width to filter overland flow of nutrients to waterways.
• Reduce nutrients and contaminants from entering waterways by planting riparian margins and maintaining and incorporating vegetated swales and constructed wetlands.
• Recover and reuse spilled raw materials and products.
• Minimise pollution of receiving waterways through effective primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment of raw sewage. Avoid discharging directly into waterways.
• Divert runoff of faecal material from farm tracks to traps and fields.
• Assess the weather, pasture growth, and fertiliser application rates prior to applying fertilisers on land using appropriate nutrient management practices.
• Upgrade wastewater treatment systems.
• Use household cleaners that are easily biodegradable - this can reduce nutrients discharged into systems rather than needing complex and expensive treatment.

Find more about industry or land use specific mitigation options on the corresponding activity or industry page