HydroMetrics at Hinds/Hekeao Managed Aquifer Recharge site

You need to measure it, to be able to manage it!

Our real-time nitrate sensors have been monitoring the Environment Canterbury Hinds/Hekeao Managed Aquifer Recharge Pilot Project since 2016.

Groundwater resources in the Ashburton – Tinwald area are under pressure of declining water tables and rising nitrate concentrations. The Hinds/ Hekeao Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) pilot project replenishes and improves the health of the aquifer and water quality by injecting fresh alpine river water supplied by local water races.

Powered by solar energy, our HydroMetrics sensors monitored the nitrate fluctuations and transmitted hourly measurements to our offices. This data provides an accurate picture of the effectiveness of nitrate hotspot dilution and demonstrates the effectiveness of the MAR technology to the community.

Thank you to our collaborators Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Ashburton District Council, Ashburton Zone Committee, Te Runanga O Arowhenua, Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec (WGA), Lincoln Agritech Limited, MHV Water, Rangitata Diversion Race Management Ltd, BCI, Canterbury District Health Board, Tarbotton Contractors, and ECGIS.

Photo credit: Golder Associates