Freshwater

We provide public information on river, lake, and groundwater conditions across New Zealand including freshwater quantity and quality.

Rachel Crawford and Paul Franklin inspecting a fish passage on the Waikato River.

Freshwater and Estuaries Update

A seasonal review and outlook for New Zealand's water resources, and an update on NIWA's freshwater research

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    Chemical contamination and wastewater

    What are the potential sources of chemical contaminants in wastewaters?

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    What do we measure?

    Research Project
    A range of physical and chemical variables are measured in the NRWQN.
    Freshwater quality

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    Stream periphyton monitoring manual

    This manual prescribes a set of sampling and analysis protocols applicable to most of the common stream habitats in New Zealand.
    Environmental Information
    Freshwater
    Ecological monitoring

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    Riparian vegetation and agriculture

    How may agricultural activities impact riparian vegetation around a waterway?
    Agriculture

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    Kākahi

    The kākahi or freshwater mussel was a valuable mahinga kai resource for many Māori.
    Freshwater quality

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    Chemical contamination and mining

    What are the potential sources of chemical contamination from mining activities?

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    What is Kaitiaki Tools?

    Kaitiaki Tools is a guide to teach people (especially hapū and iwi groups) who manage the resource consent process.

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    Wastewater Treatment

    Wastewater treatment is the separation and extraction of solid waste from liquid waste, and the removal of nutrients and pathogens.

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    Dairy farming activities

    Dairy farms operate to maximise milk production

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    Tau kōura sample collection and processing protocol

    Tau kōura is a traditional Māori fishing method commonly used to harvest kōura or freshwater crayfish in areas where they are abundant.
    Freshwater

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    Stormwater - an introduction

    Stormwater is a major concern for New Zealand because of its potential effects on the ecological health of our urban streams and coastal waters, as well as on the economic, social and cultural value of these environments.
    Freshwater

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    Kanae

    Grey mullet have a worldwide distribution and Aotearoa is at the southern limit of their range.
    Freshwater fish
    Freshwater quality