A public meeting to brief residents in the upper Taieri catchment on the results of recent water quality sampling that found high levels of the bacteria E.coli in some sections of the Upper Taieri River, will be held at the Waipiata Hall this Friday (April 4) at 1pm.

ORC put up warning signs at popular swimming holes in the area several weeks ago and has been investigating the possible source of the E.coli. This has included tracking land activities adjoining the river and its tributaries on foot, by kayak, and from the air.

ORC director environmental monitoring and operations Jeff Donaldson said the community would be briefed on the results of these monitoring activities at the meeting and the potential causes.

“We know from our discussions with local farmers that they are as concerned about the water quality in the area as we are, and that they are willing to work with us to improve it, ,” Mr Donaldson said.

“Hopefully, by sharing our sampling results, we can agree on possible solutions to this issue so that the river is kept safe for people to enjoy,” Mr Donaldson said.

Maniototo Irrigation Company (MIC) chairman Geoff Crutchley, who will speak at the meeting, said the company was mindful of the pressure on water quality and had been doing their own monitoring.

“We are continually upgrading our distribution system to minimise spillage and prevent flows returning to the river,” Mr Crutchley said.

For more information contact

Jeff Donaldson
ORC Director environmental monitoring and operations
Ph 03 474 0827 or 0274 357162

Geoff Crutchley
Chairman, Maniototo Irrigation Company
03 9768594