Waimate is one of seven ''polluted airsheds'' in Canterbury, and has been set a target of just three ''high pollution days'' a year by September 2016, and only one by September 2020.
Under the Ministry for the Environment's National Environmental Standards, any recorded suspended contaminant of more than 50mcg per cubic metre of air is recorded as ''high''.
So far this year five high pollution days have been recorded in Waimate.
Pollution reached its highest total of the year at the end of July (74mcg).
By this time last year, the district had already recorded 11 high pollution days, and ECan director for air Katherine Trought said the reduction was due to co-operation with the Waimate District Council.
''Waimate District Council has been very supportive of the need to improve air quality in Waimate.
''This past year the focus in Waimate has been raising awareness of air quality impacts on health and how every household with a wood-burner can help improve air quality by checks to make sure their chimney is not smoking.''
Ms Trought said Mayor John Coles and council staff had also been active participants in the South Canterbury District Health Board Air Quality Working Group, which aimed to communicate the health benefits of improving air quality.
She said the reduction in the number of high pollution days was ''pleasing'' because it showed the community was responding to the drive to keep winter air clean.
Although there was ''still work to do'', ECan would continue to work with the council on practical initiatives to help clean up the air in Waimate.
The 2016 target could be achieved with support from the community, she said.
