Environment Canterbury has launched a campaign aimed at improving the health of Christchurch's rivers and the species that live in them.
The state of the city's waterways isn't pretty, with recent reports revealing a rubbish tip below the surface.
The rivers that snake through the Garden City have always been a part of Christchurch's identity.
Punting on the Avon is a tourist attraction. But beneath is a mess hidden in plain sight.
Every drain from the backyard and street gutter connects to one of the city's many waterways.
"There's no treatment, no filter, it comes straight out into our river," said ECan surface water science manager Elaine Moriarty.
That washes through rubbish, debris and even parcels from your pet.
"If it was a dog poo for example. Dog poo, just one gram, small, top of your finger has a million E.coli in it," Moriarty said.
That kind of bacteria can have a dramatic effect on water quality.
"A report that was just out by Christchurch City Council did 50 sites around Christchurch of our rivers and all of them failed for at least one thing," Moriarty said.
Under the water is an entire habitat not only for ducks but for taonga like eel. Dirty water can kill them.
Part of the Protect our Waterways project is to encourage residents to not let rubbish and debris go down their drains.
"Pick up your rubbish, pick up your dog poo, and think about in your garden if you have piles of leaves and things like that to cover them or put them in your green bin. We all have a part to play in our rivers," Moriarty said.
City contractors are leading the way. While Newshub was filming they fished a lime scooter, helmet and rubbish from the Avon.
Cleaning up Christchurch's waterways - one piece at a time.
