The Editor

I write in relation to the press release from Waimate District Council, 23^rd October, regarding the nitrate levels within the Lower Waihao Rural Water Scheme, which are currently elevated at 40mg/l, and ‘with more rain expected this Labour Weekend, the levels may increase further’.

It beggars belief that WDC is ‘reviewing denitrification plant solutions’ in the face of extensive dairy intensification. It would appear, that Council is more focussed on local GDP than the health of their non-dairying community and the entire biota of the environment.

The crisis occurring to the regions freshwater has been known for decades and  this is a forewarning for Christchurch and other districts across the region of the impending consequences from  the economic development at all costs dogma.

Greg Byrnes