River flow data

We record water levels at 155 river and lake sites in Canterbury, from the Clarence River/Waiau Toa in the north to the Waitaki River in the south. We measure river flow at 132 of these sites and this information is combined with water level data to produce continuous flow records. We report this alongside data from 19 other sites recorded by partner agencies such as the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research and Christchurch City Council.

View the River flow text message shortcodes

View the Rainfall data pages

 

Irrigation restrictions

Find out about irrigation restrictions for a specific area, which may relate to a consent you hold.

Please note that this river flow information is raw data only and may contain inaccuracies and therefore cannot be relied upon for determining flow restrictions.

Please note Times below are in NZ Standard Time. During Daylight Saving Time please add one hour.

 

River flow information sent to your phone as a text message~~
Daily river flow information can be sent to your mobile. The cost is 30 cents per message, charged by your carrier, not Environment Canterbury. This river flow information is not to be used for resource consent compliance purposes.

How to receive text messages in 3 simple steps

1. Look up the shortcode for the river you want (see list below)

2. Text "RV" (for river), a space and then the shortcode to phone number ECAN (3226). For example, send RV CLAR to ECAN for information on the Clarence River. Remember to include the space between "RV" and the shortcode.

3. You will receive the information in a text message.

Northern region text message shortcodes
Northern region rivers Shortcode

Clarence

 RV CLAR

Hope

RV HOPE

Waiau

 RV WAIA

Hurunui at Mandamus

 RV HURUM

Hurunui at SH 1

 RV HURU1
Waipara RV WAIP
Okuku RV OKUK
Ashley at Lees Valley RV ASHL
Ashley Gorge RV ASHG
Ashley at Rangiora RV ASHR
Waimakariri at Esk RV WAIME
Waimakariri at Gorge RV WAIMG
Waimakariri at Old Highway Bridge RV WAIMO
Cust Main Drain RV CUST
Selwyn at Whitecliffs RV SELWW
Selwyn at Ridgens Road RV SELWR
Selwyn at Coes Ford RV SELWC
Rakaia RV RAKA
Kaituna RV KAIT
Southern region text message shortcodes 
Southern region rivers Shortcode

North Ashburton

 RV ASHBN

South Ashburton

RV ASHBS

Ashburton at SH 1

 RV ASHB1

Rangitata

 RV RANG

Orari

 RV ORAR
Temuka RV TEMU
North Opuha RV OPUHN
South Opuha RV OPUHS
Opuha RV OPUHA
Opihi at Rockwood RV OPIHR
Opihi at Saleyards RV OPIHS
Opihi at SH 1 RV OPIHI
Tengawai RV TENG
Pareora RV PARE
Waihao RV WAIH
Hakataramea RV HAKA
Ohau RV OHAU
Tekapo RV TEKA
Ahuriri RV AHUR
Omarama RV OMAR
Waitaki RV WAIT
Maerewhenua RV MAER