Fresh Water Citizen Science

A couple of weeks ago, our Wānaka team swapped our computers for microscopes and teamed up with the fabulous folks at WAI Wānaka to analyse water samples from Bullock Creek. It was a blast stepping into the role of ‘citizen scientists’ – but also a bit sobering. Our spring-fed creek, which looks pristine to the naked eye, was teeming with microplastics. The most common culprits? Synthetic clothing fibres and tyre fragments.

So, where’s it all coming from?

While research is ongoing, scientists believe microplastics like these are hitching a ride into the atmosphere—then falling back down with the rain and snow. That means it’s not just our waterways under threat. Microplastics have even been found in our alpine environment. Yikes!

What can we do?

Thankfully, there’s good news: small changes can make a big difference. According to the WAI team, here are three top tips to help protect our waterways:

1. Choose natural fibres. Clothes made from wool, cotton, or other natural materials don’t shed microplastics during washing like synthetic materials.
2. Wash smart. Do full loads to reduce friction (which leads to fibre shedding), and skip unnecessary washes when you can.
3. Catch it before it escapes. Use washing machine filters or laundry bags (e.g. Guppyfriend) to trap synthetic fibres before they enter the water system.

Want to dive deeper or get involved in hands-on conservation? Head over to the WAI Wānaka website to learn more or sign up for a volunteer event.