Spot water pollution – and call us!

3 February 2004

Do your bit to stop water pollution! The Auckland Regional Council’s Big Clean Up environmental programme is focusing this February on reminding people to call the Pollution Control Hotline if they see water pollution.

During February the ARC is running local TV and print ads to promote its hotline number to encourage people to report pollution when they see it.

“The deluge of rain this week is a timely reminder that everything that we drop in the streets or wash into the stormwater system ends up in our streams and in the sea,” said ARC Chair Gwen Bull.

“We want to swim and fish in clean waters and it is up to all of us to help look out for pollution,” said Cr Bull.

“The ARC runs a 24-hour Water Pollution Hotline and it is important that we get to the pollution while it is there,” said Steve Tyson, Pollution Control Team leader.

“Please call us immediately when you see water pollution in the gutters, in streams and in the sea,” said Mr Tyson.

The ARC’s water pollution hotline phone number is 377 3107.

Examples of water pollution to look out for and report:

1. Oil on water surface

2. Excessive foam or discolouration in local stream or beach

3. Anything unusual running down gutter or directly into stormwater drain such as concrete waste or paint

4. Waterblasting wastewater running down gutter or directly into stormwater drain.

Call your local council to report litter in waterways.

Join The Big Clean Up to receive more tips and information from the ARC to help you care for your environment – phone 0800 JOIN IN (0800 564646) or visit www.arc.govt.nz to join.

Household tips to prevent water pollution:

- Wash your car on the grass where the dirty water will soak into the ground, or at a carwash where the water is treated

- Wash water-based paintbrushes in an inside sink or over grass/garden if the paint is water based.

- Wash oil-based paintbrushes in a container with thinners, then filter the thinners and reuse

- Take leftover paint, thinners, car oil, batteries and chemicals to the HazMobile. Visit www.hazmobile.govt.nz or phone ARC 366 2000 to find out when the HazMobile is near you.

- If doing earthworks, prevent soil from washing into stormwater drains – phone ARC 366 2000 to get advice on simple ways to prevent soil washing away.

ENDS

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