New Zealand first for water management trial

New Zealand’s first large scale Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) pilot project officially launched in Ashburton today.

The Hinds/Heheao MAR Pilot Project is part of a package of water management solutions developed by the Ashburton Water Zone Committee in collaboration with the community.

The idea is to divert clean Rangitata River water (taken from the Ashburton District Council’s unused stock water allocation), via the Rangitata Diversion Race and Valetta Irrigation Scheme into a recharge site. The water will then seep down into the aquifer to refill it.

The project will utilise an extensive network of groundwater, surface water and climate monitoring as well as purpose-built computer models which will enable the effects of the MAR water to be distinguished from other effects on the groundwater and waterways.

The MAR site will be turned off during significant rainfall events to assist in this analysis.

It is hoped the trial will result improve groundwater quality in the Tinwald area and that increased groundwater levels and aquifer storage will lead to improved base flows in spring-fed waterways.

If successful, the project could be extended to the rest of the Ashburton-Hinds area.

Environment Canterbury commissioner David Caygill said the trial was an example of the local community working with local, regional and central government to achieve multiple community and environmental benefits.

The pilot project is initially for one year, but has consent to continue until 2021 if required.

ENDS

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