Opinion - The government has announced a new target to have 90 percent of New Zealand's rivers swimmable by 2040.
The plan weakens the threshold for what qualifies as the best quality waterway to swim in. Some scientists say the changes allow more pollution, while others think they won't make much difference and the new system might work.
Currently about 72 percent of New Zealand rivers are considered swimmable.
Toby Morris wades into the debate with a cartoon.
Environment Minister Nick Smith has dismissed criticism that new water targets mean one in 20 people could get sick in "swimmable" rivers. Audio
The government has weakened the threshold for what qualifies as the best quality waterway to swim in as part of its target to make 90 percent of New Zealand's rivers swimmable by 2040.
The government's new target strikes the right balance, Prime Minister Bill English says, but critics say it does not go far enough. Video, Audio
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