These definitions and explanations should provide a comprehensive understanding of key terms related to freshwater management in New Zealand. Keep in mind that the management practices, regulations, and terminology can evolve over time.
| National Environmental Standards (NES) | Nationally applicable regulations that set standards for specific activities, including those related to water management. |
| Nitrogen | Discharge of contaminants into a water body from a single fixed point, such as a pipe or drain (eg, from the likes of sewerage, factory, and dairy shed outfalls). Managing point source discharges involves regulating and treating the release. |
| Non-point source discharge | Nitrogen is a nutrient that can encourage the growth of nuisance aquatic plants. These plants can choke up waterways and out-compete native species. High levels of nitrogen in water can be a result of runoff and leaching from agricultural land. Ideally, total nitrogen levels in waterbodies should be less than 0.5 grams per cubic meter to prevent excessive growth of nuisance plants |
| National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) | Diffuse discharge of contaminants from multiple sources, makes it challenging to trace the exact origin. Managing non-point source discharges involves mitigating runoff. |
| Outstanding freshwater body | A water body of exceptional ecological, cultural, or recreational significance. Managing outstanding freshwater bodies involves special care and protection. |
| Permits | An activity is allowed without requiring a resource consent if it complies with the stipulated conditions, usually because it has minimal environmental impact. |
| Permitted activity | Sets out the government’s objectives and policies for managing freshwater resources in New Zealand and provides direction about how local authorities should carry out their responsibilities for managing freshwater. |
| pH | A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of water. A very high or very low pH means that water can be unsuitable for aquatic life. The pH range that is suitable for aquatic plants and animals is 6.5 to 9 |
| Phosphorus | Phosphorus is a nutrient that can encourage the growth of nuisance aquatic plants. These plants can choke up waterways and out-compete native species. High levels of phosphorus in water can be a result of runoff from agricultural land. Ideally, total phosphorus levels in water should be less than 0.04 grams per cubic metre to prevent excessive growth of nuisance plants |
| Point source discharge | Diffuse discharge of contaminants from multiple sources makes it challenging to trace the exact origin. Managing non-point source discharges involves mitigating runoff. |
| Poorly drained soils | Soils with inadequate natural drainage. Proper management is essential to prevent waterlogging and associated issues. |
| Profile Available Water (PAW) | The amount of water available for plant use in the soil profile. PAW assessments inform water allocation decisions in agricultural settings. |
| Public notification | The process of informing the public about resource consent applications. Public notification allows stakeholders to provide input on proposed activities. |
| Quality | The overall condition of a water body, including its chemical, physical, and biological characteristics. Monitoring and managing water quality is essential for ecosystem health. |
| Quantity | The amount of water (eg, flow) in a given area or time period. Managing water quantity involves allocation, conservation, and avoiding overuse. |