The Essential Freshwater Policy Program is Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s programme to implement central-government's National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020. It directs regional councils to review, consult on, and implement measures to improve management of freshwater in rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater for future generations. This will result in changing regional policies and rules that manage how freshwater and land is used.
There are a range of national measures and regulations to improve freshwater management, including higher water quality standards, and reducing nutrient pollution, and improving the way freshwater is managed and allocated.
Essential Freshwater is an important step towards ensuring sustainable freshwater for future generations.