Why Are We Losing Our Clean Green Image?

AN article on January 26 stated that the Waikia and Mataura Rivers have such levels of E coli that people have been advised not to swim and fisherman and boat users advised to use caution.

Both these rivers see people from around the world frequenting them for the fishing.

According to information on the Environment Southland site under “latest bathing water quality results” it regularly monitors E coli levels in freshwater sites around the region and that the E coli levels are an “indicator” that signals the potential presence of disease-causing pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa.

I would urge people to check these out for themselves the quality and safety of our rivers for recreational swimming and fishing, and perhaps ask the question: Why is our “Clean Green image” slipping quietly away? I look forward to reading the promised results from Environment Southland after its inspection as to the causes of contamination in a few days, although it was not stated where these results would be available from? Pauline Robertson, Invercargill Abridged. — Editor

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