Small acts of vigilance are part of the battle of cleaning up Wellington’s waterways.

Water quality in the region continues to deteriorate, with 15 percent of samples taken in the past year failing tests.

It’s the third straight year the number of failed samples has increased.

Environment committee chair Iona Pannett says the City Council is tackling the issue, but it’s also a matter of public education.

“For example if you’ve got a dog, don’t let them poo in the water because that actually does cause some contamination.”

– Newstalk ZB