Safe to swim? New Zealand debates freshwater parameters

摘要

The New Zealand government has announced an amended National Policy Statement (NPS) for Freshwater Management, which includes a proposed National Objectives Framework (NOF) that for the first time sets national limits for some freshwater quality parameters. The changes have caused quite a stir, particularly as it is an election year, and will undoubtedly be of interest to other countries seeking to meet freshwater standards such as the EU Water Framework Directive. The NPS follows the March 2013 release of the 'Freshwater reform 2013 and beyond' document, which outlined the proposals for reform - the changes are the next step in the process.