Fresh water
Fresh water is a precious resource that the Bay of Plenty Regional Council helps to manage and protect. Fresh water (our rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands and groundwater) is essential to life, work and play; it sustains the things we value.
We collaborate with others to maintain and improve our water resource for future generations.
What happens on land affects our waterways. Because of this, we provide funding, advice and regional coordination to help improve the way land, water and biodiversity habitat is cared for in our local catchments. We've made great progress over 15 years, managing and protecting our region's waterways and habitat through community projects and work with landowners under our land incentive projects.
We monitor and manage how much water can be taken from surface water and groundwater to ensure it is used sustainably. There are rules for how much you are allowed to take without a consent.
Information on how water limits are set for rivers, lakes, and groundwater in the Bay of Plenty, why they matter, and how they guide water use and resource consent decisions.
Find out about the changes to regional policies and rules to manage freshwater better in the Bay of Plenty.
Our rivers, lakes and wetlands are home to various endemic plants, fish, birds and other wildlife that rely on healthy freshwater for at least part of their lifecycle.
Wetlands are important ecosystems that filter pollutants, trap sediment and improve water quality.
Monitoring, science and research
We lead and support a range of scientific monitoring and research work to improve understanding about freshwater sources.
Marae wastewater and drinking water
Many marae, particularly those in isolated areas, rely on old treatment and disposal systems to manage their wastewater. Depending on the size of the marae and the surrounding whenua, the existing systems may not now be the best option.
If you use water, it’s important to know your responsibilities during a dry weather event.
Freshwater co-governance and advisory groups
Technical and community panels have been established to inform the Bay of Plenty Regional Council's freshwater work.