‘E. coli’ sensor in pipeline

CHRISTCHURCH: A sensor that gives warnings in real time about E. coli contamination could be a gamechanger in how communities respond.

The concept, which is being developed by Water Action Initiative New Zealand (WAI NZ), won the 2017 WWFNew Zealand Conservation Innovation Award on Wednesday.

The sensor is expected to pro vide immediate detection of increased E. coli levels so swifter action, including early health warnings, can be taken.

WAI NZ received a $25,000 grant to fasttrack their idea.

‘‘[Freshwater pollution] is a crisis that needs a nationallevel response, including accurate and timely water monitoring,’’ WWFNZ chief executive officer Livia Esterhazy said. — NZN