Opinion: Water quality too important to ignore

Most Kiwis are probably adjusting to the idea that some our waterways are no longer safe to swim in.

Such a situation was almost unfathomable in the not-so-distant past, but the deteriorating water quality of many of our rivers through an increase in dairying and urban growth is now begrudgingly accepted by most.

I find the rapid degradation of such a valuable resource extremely alarming, as is the general lack of urgent action to attempt to limit and undo the damage already done.

It feels like we are burying our heads in the sand on this issue and failing to see what is at stake.

As the world's population grows, so does the demand for freshwater.

It's fair to assume then that water will become even more valuable because it is needed to make the products we consume.

According to a National Geographic article on the subject, it takes on average 2700 litres to make a cotton shirt and 9800 litres to make a pair of blue jeans.

The fact overseas companies appear to appreciate the value of this resource and are keen to tap into our fresh water supplies to establish water bottling plants indicates that we may be behind the eight ball on this issue.

A new online index which allows people to check whether favourite swimming spots are safe to swim in highlights just how far off the mark we might be.

The tool has revealed New Zealand's best and worst swimming spots - with some favourite sites listed as no-go zones among 700 rivers, lakes and beaches.

It's an excellent tool for families to ensure they are not venturing into polluted waters but it is a sad indictment of the state of our waterways and our flawed clean, green image.

We need to start valuing this natural resource.