The Tasman District Council has raised concerns about elevated nitrate levels in water affecting apple growers in the Waimea Plains area near Nelson, Australia. A 2016 study and subsequent testing in 2019 revealed that some nitrate levels in aquifers did not meet national drinking water standards. Apple growers are worried about the potential impact on their crops, and high nitrate content can also pose a public health risk. The council is collaborating with growers and Horticulture NZ to develop a model to address nitrate losses.