River pollution

A decade or so ago I witnessed the same problem with cattle [in the Ohau River].

Given that the Gladstone Reserve is only a short distance upstream from Levin’s water intake for our consumption, I note that Horizons has posted a warning against swimming in the river at [the] Reserve and [very] recently, a warning of high levels of cyanobacteria .

A quick look at this matter brings me to think that the problem is that the focus on fencing waterways against cattle is only applied to dairy cattle and farmers who run non-dairy herds do not have to fence their stock from waterways.

From what I witnessed the paddock upstream and adjoining Gladstone Reserve was not fenced on its river boundary nor was there fencing on the opposite bank so that cattle would come down and cross the river.

There isn’t a bridge for the cattle to use and if the boundaries both sides of the river were fenced, the farmer would be unable to graze stock on the paddock unless there was alternative access which I doubt is likely.

Stock in the river upstream from Gladstone Reserve has been the case for more than 10 years — I think they pose a health risk to our water supply particularly when the river flow is low and dilution of bovine waste materials would be reduced.

I hope there is a solution, however, it may be a case of this year, next year, sometime, never.

NORMAN SMITH Levin