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Greater Monitoring To Protect ‘Stunning’ Springs
A new monitoring programme will help ensure that New Zealand’s largest freshwater spring is protected.
“They look absolutely stunning,” says Murray Close about Te Waikoropupū Springs.
However, the Golden Bay springs and their exceptionally clear water are at risk from human pollution.
“The nitrate levels are very low, but there is concern over increasing levels of the past 20 years, which has led to the application for the Water Conservation Order.”
The order was granted in 2023 and requires Tasman District Council to ensure the water quality is protected.
Close, a senior science lead at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research, was commissioned by the council in July 2024 to conduct an independent review of its monitoring programme for the springs.
His review, presented to and endorsed by the council on Wednesday, recommended a wider monitoring programme.
The new regime will result in monitoring of both surface and groundwater quality at fifteen sites, mostly within the Wharepapa Arthur Marble Aquifer which feeds the springs.
An initial sampling round will analyse a comprehensive suite of physical and chemical parameters, followed by monthly monitoring of a reduced range of parameters.
After the first year, another review will be conducted to determine the future frequency and extent of the monitoring programme.
The new programme will increase the spread of data and its consistency, ensuring that any changes to the water quality can be quickly and accurately measured.
The monitoring sites were chosen based on accessibility, the ability to collect reproducible samples, year-round availability, and a clear understanding of the water source.
It’s expected that the first year of monitoring will cost the council $60,000 but future years could see that cost drop to below $45,000 annually.
Councillor Kit Maling said the council had to accept the cost.
“We don’t have a choice, it’s a court order.”
Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
Local Democracy Reporting
Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.
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