A new survey says water pollution is considered the most important environmental issue facing New Zealand.
The survey, which has been carried out by Lincoln University every two years since 2000, is designed to test perceptions about of all the country's resources.
Rivers and lakes, groundwater, and air quality were judged to be the least well managed resource areas.
The survey identifies farming as the biggest problem for fresh water, with management of effluent and runoff the greatest cause for concern.
Fish and Game New Zealand says the survey shows New Zealanders won't tolerate ongoing degradation of freshwater resources.
It says Agriculture now has to take responsibility for its effect on the environment.
The survey had 800 respondents with a margin of error of plus or minus 3%.
