Land and water pollution

How to prevent pollution

At work

• Maintain a high standard of house keeping, especially in outside areas
• Recycle and reuse materials and always place litter in a bin
• Keep vehicles properly tuned and free of leaks and drips
• Store all liquid chemicals and wastes in an appropriate matter
• Always be prepared to deal with spills promptly; never allow them to soak into the ground or to flow or be washed down an outside drain
• Dispose of all wastes properly , If you are unsure if you have a problem, contact a pollution control officer on 09 366 2000.

At home

Waterblasting washwater polluting stormwater drain

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• Wash your car on a grassy area or take it to a carwash, so that soapy water soaks into the ground rather than directly into a stormwater drain
• Use a drip tray to collect waste engine oil
• Wash paint brushes inside or onto a grassy or unsealed area where all washwater can soak in without contaminating the stormwater system
• Take any hazardous household waste to the Hazmobile
• Paint your galvanised iron roof to stop the zinc run-off
• Don't use copper roofing or spouting materials as it is harmful to aquatic life
• Make sure your wastewater and stormwater pipes are correctly plumbed.

If you see water pollution occurring in a stormwater drain, stream, at the beach or harbour call our 24-hour Water Pollution Hotline 09 377 3107.

For a complete list of the pollution factsheets, please take this link.

Other links:

• Like to help? Check out our volunteer page, and join a group near you.