We all want to live in a place where our waters are clean, healthy, and safe for swimming and water sports.

To help see the bigger picture nationally, I tested the water in Christchurch Harbour for nutrients, taking part in a national citizen science scheme to monitor water quality.

Using a simple testing kit, I measured the nutrient levels in the harbour. These results showed a nitrate level of 2.0 and a phosphate level of 0.02 — ‘medium’ levels that indicate Christchurch Harbour still requires care and attention.

I, with thousands of people nationally, reported my findings so that scientists and conservationists can better spot pollution hot spots. It’s a great example of local people contributing to national change.

But monitoring on its own isn’t enough.

That’s why, in Parliament last week, I raised Christchurch Harbour and the River Stour directly with ministers.

I called for the Environment Agency to set tougher water quality standards and to improve the way we collect and use data to identify the worst offenders.

I’m also backing new “jail if you fail” laws, which hold water bosses personally accountable for sewage spills and cover-ups.

If they pollute and then mislead the public, they now face serious consequences — including prison.

Local organisations, like the Christchurch Harbour and Marine Society, have long been calling for greater conservation protections, and I’ve backed those proposals in Parliament.

Watch my water testing video on Facebook.