DISCLAIMER
DairyNZ Limited and Northland Regional Council (“DairyNZ”, “Northland Regional Council”, “we”, “our”) endeavours to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate and current. However, we do not accept liability for any error or omission.
The information that appears in this publication is intended to provide the best possible dairy farm management practices, systems and advice that DairyNZ and Northland Regional Council has access to, it is not a technical manual for effluent system construction. It may be subject to change at any time, without notice. DairyNZ Limited and Northland Regional Council takes no responsibility whatsoever for the currency and/or accuracy of this information, its completeness or fitness for purpose.
Please note all references to legal requirements are correct at the time of printing.
Farm dairy effluent is a valuable resource and if managed well can increase pasture production and reduce fertiliser costs. Farm dairy effluent contains organic matter, nutrients including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), disease-causing bacteria (such as faecal coliforms, E. coli and campylobacter), and if not managed well can cause environmental issues.
The discharge of farm dairy effluent can have the following effects on waterways:
- Increased nutrient loadings (especially nitrogen and phosphorus), which can result in algal blooms and nuisance weed growth
- Increased ammonium concentrations, which can be toxic to fish species
- Microbial contamination rendering the water unsuitable for human consumption, contact recreation, or stock drinking
- Increased suspended solids, which reduce light penetration and can smother aquatic creatures.
Groundwater can also be polluted through poor effluent management.
Community expectation is that our waterways should be safe for contact recreation such as swimming, kayaking and other water sports. Protecting commercial marine farms and recreational shell fish gathering areas from pollution is also important for our region. Dairy farmers can play their part, along with other land users in protecting these values.