As replicated in many parts of the country, climate change, drinking water and waterways are key topics for voters. While drinking water had been an ongoing issue, the recent appointment of the district's drinking water assessor to the role of water safety team leader was a positive step, she said. Jay Webb said she would create a climate constitution to set out how the district handled climate, water and biodiversity protections. Most council-owned drinking water schemes were compliant with drinking water standards, and Oxford had three excellent public water schemes in place. As for water quality, Doody said farmers had systems in place to reduce excessive watering and fertiliser use.

Source: Stuff September 27, 2019 17:15 UTC