Rakaia-Ashburton Groundwater Flow Project

November 17, 2009

MEDIA STATEMENT

Environment Canterbury has started a piezometric* survey to better understand the three-dimensional water flows in the aquifer system beneath the Rakaia-Ashburton Plains area.

Geology student Clare Webster has been employed from November to February 2010 to work on the project, which is being managed by groundwater hydrologist Mike Thorley as part of Environment Canterbury’s investigations and monitoring work.

“The project involves identifying and assessing suitable wells and then surveying their water levels,” says Mike Thorley.

“Clare’s initial task will be checking well information and accessibility, which will also involve site visits to check location and owner details.”

The project will need access to some wells on private land to ensure a good spread of data points. Land-owners will be notified prior to Clare or other Environment Canterbury staff visiting their properties.

“The survey of well pressure will give us a snap-shot of groundwater conditions and allow us to develop a three-dimensional model of the flows under the Rakaia-Ashburton district,” says Mike Thorley.

“Our aim is to understand where groundwater comes from and how it moves through Canterbury’s aquifers, so we can better manage the freshwater resource.”

Clare Webster, who has recently completed her third year at Otago University, says she finds the Canterbury groundwater system very interesting, and is really looking forward to working on the project.

“I completed a research project in hydrology this year as part of my studies, and appreciate the opportunity to gain valuable experience working at Environment Canterbury helping to investigate the nature of the groundwater resource.”

“If people think they may have a well that will provide good information please contact us and let us know the details.”

Clare’s work will also involve setting up the piezometric survey, which is scheduled for March or April next year, and a follow-up survey scheduled for August or September.

* Piezometric – the hydrostatic pressure level of the water in the aquifer.

ENDS

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