Water quality management : interaction with the physical and economic environment

Abstract

Water quality problems are often complex. Management of water quality should recognise this complexity. This study examines the complexities by investigating interactions between water quality management and the physical and economic environments. In the physical environment water quality is seen as part of environmental quality and interacts with land and air. In the economic environment deterioration of water quality can be considered as a factor of production and interacts with economic activity, including such things as economic growth, trade and employment. Water quality management in New Zealand is then investigated in light of these interactions. It is shown that the current dilemma over water classification may be caused through not fully considering the interaction between water quality management and economic activity. Also, the current management system does not provide for adequate control over the interaction between air and water quality. This study concludes that greater co-ordination between water quality policies and other environmental and economic policies is required.