December 10, 2015

MEDIA RELEASE

Check, Clean, Dry part of being a tidy Kiwi this summer

Summer is the time to head out to our beautiful Canterbury lakes and rivers for recreation and relaxation. It’s also time to be a tidy visitor – and to Check, Clean, Dry says Environment Canterbury.

“While having fun you can also be a responsible water guardian, leaving your favourite spot as you found it,” said Graham Sullivan, Regional Manager Biodiversity and Biosecurity.

“Freshwater pests like didymo spoil recreational activities and can affect plant and animal habitats. They also undermine the community’s efforts to keep their waterways clean and improve water quality.

“So remember to check for cling-ons, clean your gear, or if this isn’t practical dry your clothes and equipment, before entering and leaving the water. We don't want people to stop enjoying waterways, just to make sure they're not having an impact on the environment.”

Check, Clean, Dry is not just about didymo. Taking the right steps also stops other freshwater pests such as lagarosiphon, egeria and hornwort from spreading.

“Many of our waterways are still free of these pests and we want to keep them that way,” Graham Sullivan said.

How do I Check, Clean, Dry?

CHECK: For ‘cling-ons’. Check any equipment or clothing that has come into contact with water for waterweed and remove all plant parts

CLEAN: After removing debris, clean with a 5% dishwashing detergent or nappy cleaner (two large cups or 500 millilitres with water added to make 10 litres). Soak or spray all surfaces for at least one minute (absorbent items require longer soaking times to allow thorough saturation) before rinsing with tap water

DRY: When cleaning is not practical, items must be completely dry to the touch, inside and out, then left to dry for at least another 48 hours before use in another waterway.

If cleaning or drying is not practical, keep your gear in a single waterway.

Environment Canterbury aquatic advocacy officer Kerry Mathews is visiting the Waitaki Lakes district over the festive season to help visitors with their Check, Clean, Dry responsibilities.

Keep an ear out for Port FM playing Check, Clean, Dry messages over the festive season as well.

For details on how to clean particular equipment, visit http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/cleaning

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