Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan Water classification is an effective way of managing water that enables the maintenance or enhancement of water quality as appropriate. The classifications, of Class F for surface water and Class DW for groundwater, are consistent with the Marlborough Regional Policy Statement. Applying additional classifications over the underlying classifications for particular resources or parts of a resource will enable specific management to protect local values. This is important because classifications F and DW have standards that relate only to the protection of the fishery or drinking water aspects of the resource. Other values such as amenity or contact recreation can be maintained through the use of specific classifications. The narrative and alphanumeric standards used to define the water classifications are given in Appendix H, Volume Two. Defining and requiring all mixing zones to meet a prescribed formula will ensure a consistent and equitable approach to water quality management and provide certainty for plan users. Overall the policies will work towards enabling the continued health of the freshwater ecosystems to provide for the needs of the community both now and in the future. 3.2.3 Methods of Implementation Rules Discharges of untreated human sewage into freshwater is prohibited. Rules and standards relating to discharges to land, which affect water quality, are included. Other discharges to freshwater are not provided for, thus, resource consents will be required for discharges to water and consent only granted where adverse effects are able to be avoided, remedied or mitigated. Existing consents for discharges will only be renewed after taking into account the above objectives and policies upon their expiry. In particular, a reduction in the level and concentration of contaminants will be required for discharges which cause adverse environmental effects, along with a timeframe for improvements of the discharge. Controls and guidelines will be adopted in respect of land and vegetation disturbance likely to adversely affect water quality in wetlands, lakes and rivers. Standards will define limits for the deposition or discharge of material to land which could result in contaminants being carried by run-off or leaching into a fresh water body or coastal water. A schedule and associated maps identifies significant water bodies where rules apply to manage adverse effects of activities on aquatic ecosystems and adjacent riparian margins. Education/ The Council will develop and implement an educational strategy Advocacy to support the objectives and rules contained in the Plan. The Council will provide information, technical advice and other assistance on ways to maintain, and where appropriate, improve the quality of non-point source discharges. 3 - 4