Taranaki Regional Council staff want to hear from the public about their proposed changes to freshwater for farmers, businesses and communities.
Next week the council has four drop-in sessions for people to chat with staff about the proposal, created to improve water quality in Taranaki’s rivers and streams in the short, medium and long-term.
As part of the proposal new targets are being discussed, with staff looking to hear from people on their views of appropriate levels of E. coli, sediment and nutrients in waterways and what the limit should be for taking water from a waterway.
The targets will impact all those who use water or whose business activity impacts freshwater bodies. This includes farmers who have dairy effluent consent or consent to take water, as well as business owners with a consent to use water. Rule changes around sediment will also affect those carrying out earthworks.
Council chairwoman Charlotte Littlewood said the drop-in events are a great opportunity for people to give feedback.