Urban waterways need focus also
Pollution from urban stormwater is putting pressure on communities and local authorities in their efforts to ensure our rivers and waterways remain healthy.
Figures reported by the Sydney Morning Herald show Sydney water has spent A$11.7m ($12.8m) to manage more than 11,000 clogs in its network in the past year, caused by the buildup of fats.
As a result, Sydney Water is asking people not to pour milk down the sink.
The fat in milk is the problem, as it can combine with other material to form 'fatbergs' - a large, congealed mass of solid waste found in sewer systems.
Ben Hodgson-Armstrong of Sydney Water told the Sydney Morning Herald that fats in dairy products, such as milk, solidify and can end up sticking to the walls of pipes.
Stuff reports that in 2022, Water New Zealand estimated that people flushing what they shouldn't, cost New Zealand at least $16m a year to unblock pipes.
Read More:
- $52,500 fine for effluent mismanagement
- Striking the balance: practical policy for freshwater, farmers
- Young water science talent recognised
