The growth in horticultural and some industrial development in selected areas of Northland has led to a need for more specific and careful planning and control of limited resources in a number of major catchments. The potential irrigation demands for horhculture comprise over 60% of Northland's potential water requirements. By contrast, farm water supply needs are only 11% of these needs. Because of their importance to the Northland economy, and in the legislation these needs are given a high priority in water resource management planning. Land uses, including pastoral farming, require careful operation to reduce diffuse sources of pollution.
