Adopt a Drain – Summer 2025/26
Welcome to our ‘Adopt a Drain’ Summer Newsletter
Summer in the Upper Clutha is in full swing – longer days, activities, parties, lake dips and out on the boat. With the crisp, cool water calling, it’s the perfect season to enjoy everything the lakes offer.
But with the unusually heavy rainfall we’ve experienced this summer, it’s worth asking: are we swimming with more pollutants than usual? Stormwater carries whatever is on our streets straight into the lakes and rivers – that’s why your role in adopting your drain matters now more than ever. The Bremner Bay Catchment Group are carrying out weekly summer testing to check if it is safe to swim. You can check the results here.
Microplastics have also been a big topic of conversation this summer, especially as the warmer temperatures which tend to bring these to the surface of the lakes. These microplastics could be from synthetic clothing, degraded litter, and tyre wear. Small actions like reducing plastic use, washing synthetics in a filter bag, or picking up litter near your drain can make a huge difference.
Recent national reporting ‘Our Environment 2025’ from MfE and Stats NZ highlights the growing concern around stormwater pollution and microplastics in Aotearoa’s waterways. These particles enter lakes and rivers through stormwater and urban run off – the same networks our Adopt a Drain community helps to protect. These contaminants are described as increasingly detected in freshwater environments and posing risks to aquatic ecosystems. You can read more about this threat in the following places:
Microplastics in Aotearoa New Zealand: local sources and broad impacts
Small plastics, big consequences: the impact of microplastics on Aotearoa
“Our environment 2025 Tō tātou taiao”, Chapter 3. Freshwater
SUMMER PLEDGE
No Aquatic Pests Down the Drain!
This summer season, we’re inviting all adopters to take a simple pledge: No Aquatic Pests Down the Drain.
Before you head out on the water, refresh your knowledge with the Check. Clean. Dry with this pocket guide from MPI.
While many people are so careful with cleaning their gear between waterways, it is often forgotten that many storm drains may lead directly into another waterway. Aquatic weeds and pests can spread quickly when fragments enter stormwater systems so we must prevent the spread, by cleaning away from drains e.g. onto grass which filters pollutants out. Learn what to look for and how to dispose of them safely with the ORC’s fact sheet. We’d love to see a before and after photo and any details regarding the debris you’ve found or of you doing the pledge. Click the button below to upload these!
NAME YOUR DRAIN
Check out ORC’s Map
ORC have created an interactive map showing stormwater drains across Otago. When a drain has been adopted, a fish icon will appear. You can zoom in to explore the details – or find your own local drain. Please note, this map is built using publicly available data, there may be additional stormwater drains and systems that haven’t been included yet.
If you would like to name your drain, please send an email to lottie@waiwanaka.nz with your chosen name!
SPOTLIGHT
Summer on the Lake
If you can boat in it, you can protect it
We’ve been out and about this summer engaging with the community and visitors to enjoy the lake responsibly this summer. We’ve put together a resource pack, with practical tips and links to helpful local and nationwide services that will help you reduce your environmental impact on the waterways. We’ve also got a survey which will help us understand how people are utilising the lakes over this summer. Feel free to fill it out here.
If you’re keen to find out more, head to our dedicated webpage here.
WATER HEALTH IN THE UPPER CLUTHA
WAI Wānaka’s 2024-2025 Impact Report
Our latest Impact Report shows encouraging momentum. On page 13 you’ll find a highlight that we are particularly proud of; over 2025, participation grew in our Adopt a Drain community from 58 adopters in FYE24 to 105 in FYE25, reflecting both a growing sense of community responsibility and the success of targeted local outreach. Kudos to you for being part of the movement!
Feeling inspired?
Join us for our Outlet Beach Clean Up & Microplastic Sampling
After a busy summer, the Outlet always has a story to tell. Come help us and see what we can find!
Date: Saturday, 24th January
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Location: The Outlet
Facebook event link here or view our events page on our website.
GAINING MOMENTUM
One neighbourhood at a time
Do you know a business or household in Wānaka, Hāwea or Luggate that might be interested in Adopt a Drain?
Share this webpage and help us to grow this initiative. We encourage anyone interested to fill out our Adopt a Drain sign-up form.
