Some of the problems with rivers are because too much water is taken out of the river for hydro-electricity or for irrigation for farms. This is especially a problem in Canterbury which has a low rainfall and needs water to irrigate so that the grass grows for dairy farming.

　　Another problem is that rivers become dirty when cows are allowed to walk through small streams. Streams flow into rivers and rivers flow into the sea. When cows pollute the water, sometimes the rivers and beaches are not safe for swimming.

　　Another problem is the use of fertilizers by farmers. Rain washes these into the rivers.

　　New Zealanders believe we have a clean, green country. Mostly this is true but we can still do better.

　　Vocabulary

　　hydro- water

　　irrigate – add water to the land

　　fertilizer – plant food

　　Questions

　　What can farmers do to stop rivers becoming polluted?

　　When too much water is taken out of a river, what other plants and animals are affected?

　　What can the government do to protect our rivers?