Groundwater

Groundwater is a major source of water for irrigation, community and industrial supply in the Tasman District. Council monitors the occurance, the quantity (groundwater levels) and the quality of the groundwater resources throughout the District. 

Measurement of groundwater levels provides useful data on the replenishment of the aquifers as well as theirresponse to abstraction and drought.  The quality of the groundwater is monitored to ensure that the surrounding land uses are not contributing to its detriment and that it is suitable for its desired uses. 

Council's resource management plan sets triggers for water rationing and cutbacks based on groundwater levels in many water management zones. Many of these triggers have been developed using hydrological modelling and are there to protect the underground aquifers from undue stress and over abstraction.  The resource management plan also places various controls on land use and discharges to protect groundwater quality.

Groundwater Levels

Map showing groundwater sampling sites.

Groundwater Quality

Groundwater quality is a measure of the chemical characteristics of a particular groundwater, in other words, its chemical signature. This chemical signature is a reflection of the groundwater’s journey into and through the ground and includes natural processes as well as influences from human activities.

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