OpinionOpinion byJacqueline RowarthAdjunct Professor Lincoln University·The Country·13 Jul, 2026 03:00 AM5 mins to read‌The relationship between farming, freshwater quality and nitrate management remains the subject of ongoing debate. Photo / Brett PhibbsTHE FACTSThe Green Party wants to phase out synthetic nitrogen fertiliser and reduce stocking rates to improve river health and drinking water quality.The World Health Organisation’s latest drinking water guidelines retain the nitrate limit at 50mg/litre (11mg/litre as nitrogen).Nitrogen from synthetic fertiliser and organic sources can both be converted into nitrate.The Pollyanna interpretation of the new Green Party policy on water is that it provides an opportunity for education. The good news is that the importance of science to the Green Party is clear.

Overtly, the first point on drinking water states