A new scientific report commissioned by Environment Canterbury and the Department of Conservation (DOC) provides further support for the efforts of r┼лnanga, public agencies and farmers to address declining water quality in the Ashburton high-country lakes/┼М T┼л Wharekai. The report (PDF File, 2.27MB) was commissioned to provide information on the nutrient reductions required to achieve water quality targets set by the community in the Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP). The conclusions from the Cawthron Institute found that significant reductions in nutrient loads will be required to preserve water quality in the high-country lakes studied. The lakes are sensitive to nutrient inputs from several sources, including