Media Release
26 October 2006

From the Source to the Sink:

Is our Water Quality Going Down the Drain?

Rising concern over the impact of stormwater in the Lincoln area has prompted a major public forum on current environmental effects and possible responses.

“From the Source to the Sink: Is our Water Quality Going Down the Drain?” is an event organised by the Lincoln Envirotown Trust and Waihora Ellesmere Trust to bring together individuals and national experts for a panel discussion on existing stormwater management practices and alternatives.

Lincoln Envirotown Project Manager Anne Nelson says the November 8 public meeting is an opportunity for anyone with an interest in the health of their community’s water to hear from experts and learn about actions they can take to protect water quality.

“This forum is a direct response to the level of concern, in both urban and rural communities, about what development might mean for our water quality in the future.

“There are many people who are worried about the quality of the water they drink, and the recent effects on areas that have been popular for swimming.

“By the end of the evening, participants will know what happens to the water that collects and drains near their home, and know that we all play a part in the problems of stormwater: it’s not just something associated with heavy rain.

“This event will show people that there some real innovations happening in the way stormwater can be managed, and that there are ways to reduce the impact of residential development on the surrounding environment and downstream ecosystems.” Speakers for the event will present for 15 minutes each and then come together for a panel discussion and question-and-answer session at the end. Speakers include:

• Jason Arnold, Waihora Ellesmere Trust - What growth in Lincoln could mean for Waihora /Lake Ellesmere
• Louis Tremblay, Landcare Research, Lincoln - Impacts of stormwater on fish and other marine and aquatic organisms
• Craig Pauling, Ngai Tahu - Cultural significance of Waihora and the springs of Lincoln
• Glenn Stewart, Lincoln University - Innovative stormwater management and the role of vegetation to manage stormwater
• Hugh Blake-Manson, Selwyn District Council - How stormwater is currently managed in Lincoln
• Sam Trowsdale, Landcare Research, Auckland - Innovative stormwater management techniques: Low-impact urban design and development

The event is free open to anyone interested in water quality or with an interest in managing the environmental impacts of development, but registration is required. Contact Anne Nelson nelsona@lincoln.ac.nz or ring on 325 2811 ext. 8290.

Ends

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