A new water accord for the dairy industry has been approved by Otago Regional Council.
The industry has drafted new water guidelines - The Sustainable Dairying Water Accord - to replace the Clean Streams Accord which Fonterra launched with central government and councils in 2003.
An Otago Regional Council committee has supported the new measures, which will take effect from the start of the 2013 dairying season in June and has recommended the full council become a friend of the accord.
Council chairman Stephen Woodhead said it's vital the industry's new accord delivers measurable environmental benefits.
He said much still needs to be done on farms in parts of Otago where water quality has deteriorated.
The Clean Streams Accord, between Fonterra, regional councils and the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment in 2003, aimed to have 90% of stock excluded from significant waterways by 2012.
An independent review in 2011 found that while 78% of significant waterways were now fenced, only 42% of Fonterra's farmers had 100% stock exclusion on their farms.
Meanwhile, Federated Farmers says it is not necessary for sheep and beef farmers to sign an equivalent accord.
It says the best way to improve environmental sustainability is through collaborative programmes which involve the community, authorities and farmers.
