Mid- Waitaki Valley groundwater quality survey

Environment Canterbury in March is surveying groundwater quality in the mid-Waitaki Valley in the area between Duntroon and Otematata.

“The work is part of the scientific investigations and monitoring work by Environment Canterbury scientists which provides information on the state of the region’s water resource,” said Carl Hanson, Environment Canterbury groundwater quality scientist.

The programme involves taking water samples from around 40 wells which will be analysed by Environment Canterbury for water quality. Testing will include nitrate, phosphorus, iron, hardness and other basic water quality parameters.

“This programme will give us a snapshot of groundwater quality in the mid-Waitaki Valley.

“In particular we are looking at water quality trends as well as areas where there are problems.

“The sampling will give us a benchmark for water quality, and provide us with the information we need to develop a long-term monitoring programme for the area,” said Carl Hanson.

URS has been contracted to undertake most of the fieldwork, which will be conducted by environmental scientist Tommy Fluen.

The initial task is to locate a good spread of existing wells – which are on both public and private land – and assess their suitability for sample collection.

Tommy Fluen will carry identification and a letter of introduction from Environment Canterbury. He will either travel in a URS vehicle or an unmarked vehicle.

Individual well-owners will be provided with results from their bores once the samples have been analysed.