新西兰英语 540 Dirty rivers

 　　Some rivers and beaches in New Zealand are not clean enough. A new report to the Minister of Conservation, Kate Wilkinson, says that we need to do more to protect rivers.

　　Some of the problems with rivers are because too much water is taken out of the river for hydro-electricity or for irrigation for farms. This is especially a problem in Canterbury which has a low rainfall and needs water to irrigate¹ so that the grass grows for dairy farming.

　　Another problem is that rivers become dirty when cows are allowed to walk through small streams. Streams flow into rivers and rivers flow into the sea. When cows pollute the water, sometimes the rivers and beaches are not safe for swimming.

　　Another problem is the use of fertilizers by farmers. Rain washes these into the rivers.

　　New Zealanders believe we have a clean, green country. Mostly this is true but we can still do better.

　　Vocabulary

　　hydro- water

　　irrigate – add water to the land

　　fertilizer – plant food

　　Questions

　　What can farmers do to stop rivers becoming polluted?

　　When too much water is taken out of a river, what other plants and animals are affected²?

　　What can the government do to protect our rivers?

1 irrigate   

vt.灌溉，修水利，冲洗伤口，使潮湿

参考例句：

• The farmer dug several trenches to irrigate the rice fields.这个农民挖了好几条沟以灌溉稻田。
• They have built canals to irrigate the desert.他们建造成水渠以灌溉沙漠。

2 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。