River water quality in the Upper Waitaki
Canterbury Regional Council monitors water quality at 15 river sites in the Upper Waitaki as part of its state-of-the-environment reporting.
The information forms part of the annual Upper Waitaki Water Quality Report. It can also be used by consent holders where Environment Canterbury monitoring sites correspond with their own monitoring requirements.
How do we test water quality?
We collect water samples from 15 river sites in the Upper Waitaki and Mackenzie Basin and test them for indicators such as nutrients, bacteria, algae and other measures that tell us about water quality.
This monitoring provides an ‘early warning system’ for deteriorating river and stream water quality and risks to the lakes they flow into.
In rivers, for example, nitrite-nitrogen and dissolved reactive phosphorus indicate the level of nutrients that can increase the risk of nuisance algae and aquatic plant growth in rivers and lakes.
Why is river testing important in the Upper Waitaki?
The catchment contains sensitive high-country rivers, lakes and wetlands valued for their outstanding natural features, ecology, recreation and cultural significance.
Regular testing helps Environment Canterbury track long-term changes in water quality, understand pressures on rivers and downstream lakes, and use the results to guide consent decisions, land management and actions to protect freshwater health.
Which Upper Waitaki rivers are monitored?
- Ahuriri River
- Fork Stream
- Irishman Creek
- Maryburn
- Omarama Stream
- Quailburn
- Sutherlands Creek
- Tekapo River
- Twizel River
- Wairepo Creek (two locations)
- Willowburn
- Otematata River
- Ohau Canal
- Spring Creek
Looking for detailed sampling results? Search our database
Upper Waitaki catchment: Rivers and streams flow through the catchment into Lake Benmore
Long-term river water quality trends in the Upper Waitaki
Ten-year trend analyses indicate increasing nutrient concentration trends in most long-term river monitoring sites in the Upper Waitaki.
Climatic conditions contribute to year-to-year variation in river nutrient concentrations, however, widespread long-term increases in river nutrient concentrations remain a concern for river health and downstream lakes.
River water quality testing and consents
Some consent holders are required to carry out river quality testing as part of their consent conditions. This provides information Environment Canterbury can use alongside regional monitoring results to assess compliance, understand catchment pressures and support good freshwater management.
Note: The term surface water quality testing as referenced in consents refers to the testing of rivers or streams. On other contexts, this term refers to the testing of all water above ground, including coastal water and lakes.
How Environment Canterbury works with consent holders
Where some action is required, staff work directly with consent holders, so they understand their obligations and response timeframes. This may include preparing a plan with specific actions to minimise impacts on water travelling through their property.