Freshwater Update 23, July 2007

Water resources: addressing information challenges
In June 2007, NIWA’s National Centre for Water Resources and National Climate Centre sponsored a 2–day workshop at Te Papa. The aim: to identify issues that constrain sustainable water resource use, and to highlight where science can help support management of freshwater now and in the future.
The 25 invited speakers provided an excellent overview of industry, resource management, and water resource science.

Towards better irrigation practice
 
Irrigating near Luggate, Central Otago.(Photo: Alan Porteous, NIWA)
As the area of irrigated land in New Zealand continues to rise, the ability to predict effects on stream flows becomes increasingly important. NIWA has been using a hydrological model to investigate the implications of current and future irrigation scenarios.

Fish-friendly floodgates ready to go
 
Fish-friendly – at normal water levels, the floodgate stays open. (Photo: Ron Ovenden, NIWA)
Fish-unfriendly – a traditional Waikato floodgated stream with trapped sediment, stagnant water, and aquatic weeds. (Photo: Jacques Boubee, NIWA)
Floodgates and stopbanks play an important role in protecting productive farmland and housing during floods and spring tides. Unfortunately, floodgates also hinder the passage of fish such as whitebait and mullet.

Water resources outlook (July - September)
Eastern South Island: Normal or below normal soil moisture levels and river flows are likely.
Elsewhere throughout New Zealand:: Normal soil moisture levels and river flows are likely.

Water resources review ( April-June)
River flows
April – June river flows
River flows over the last 3 months were below normal for almost all of New Zealand, except the northwest and southwest of the South Island. Record low flows for the period occurred in at least one river in every region of New Zealand except Tasman and the West Coast.
[Water resources information provided by NIWA field teams, regional and district councils, and hydropower companies.]

National Wetland Symposium 2008
The 2008 Wetland Symposium "Wai Wetlands?" will be held at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, 14–16 February 2008.
The Symposium aims to provide a highly practical, participant-driven forum for knowledge exchange, training, and networking for people committed to wetland biodiversity and restoration, policy makers, and wetland scientists.
A call for presentations will be made in September 2007.
The symposium is a joint venture between the National Wetland Trust, NIWA, and a number of other organisations.
Contact Catherine Chagué-Goff, c.chagu