Kaikoura wells to be surveyed for groundwater snapshot

Around 80 Kaikoura wells will be measured in June and July as part of an ongoing programme to model and understand the Kaikoura groundwater system.

The work being undertaken by Environment Canterbury scientists is intended to find out more about groundwater flow and directions.

This week Environment Canterbury is undertaking some reconnaissance work and staff will contact landowners to advise them of the work and request access to their wells.

Environment Canterbury Director of Investigations and Monitoring Ken Taylor said the survey will look at both shallow and deep wells.

“The piezometric[†] survey will provide more information on water flows in Kaikoura’s aquifer systems.

“Our aim is to understand how groundwater moves through Canterbury’s shallow and deep aquifers and the balance between ground and surface water.

“We are also planning to survey well heads in March 2016 to determine their height above sea level so wells can be accurately compared,” he said.

Environment Canterbury is also measuring flows in a number of river and streams across the study area to gather additional information on river recharge to the groundwater system.

The well survey work will take place between 29 June and 3 July (and again early in February 2016) and is a continuation of Environment Canterbury’s ongoing well field inspections.
ends

© Scoop Media