Improvement in water quality expected from aquifer project

15 June 2016 – for immediate release

Dramatic improvement in water quality expected from aquifer project

A project that provides fresh ways to improve water quality in New Zealand rivers opened to the public today.

IrrigationNZ CEO Andrew Curtis said “The Hinds/Hekeao Managed Aquifer Recharge project will take clean Rangitata River water and put this into the aquifer, helping solve current water quality issues as well as improving stream flows.

“The recharge project in combination with improving farm environmental performance, through nutrient limits and audited farm environment plans, will allow waterways in the zone to regenerate and thrive,” he said.

Water will come from the Ashburton District Council's stock water allocation via the Rangitata Diversion Race and Valetta Irrigation Scheme.

“Managed aquifer recharge is used very successfully in the United States and Europe to replenish aquifers for domestic and agriculture water supply, as well as for ecological purposes. This project is a first for New Zealand and IrrigationNZ is excited because a successful trial would mean other catchments could also benefit from similar projects.

“It is clear the New Zealand public has an appetite for improved water quality for our lakes and rivers. This is a great example of the local community coming together to make positive change happen.

“Recently there have been calls by politicians for a national approach to managing water quality in New Zealand. The reality is there are many variables and complex issues. We need to be creative, innovative and work collaboratively to ensure the solution meets the needs established by the community.

“Success requires local issues to be owned by local people who then implement local solutions,” Mr Curtis said.

Further information on the Hinds Managed Aquifer Recharge Project can be found here - http://irrigationnz.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/MARpages-INZnews-2016Winter-LoRes.pdf

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