Freshwater quality

NIWA provides measurement, knowledge and tools to the managers of New Zealand's stream, river, lake and groundwater quality.

  • NIWA in the field: Sampling the Waimakariri

    Feature story
    Environmental monitoring technician Patrick Butler has spent hours travelling between the upper and lower reaches of Canterbury’s Waimakariri and Hurunui Rivers. His mission – river water quality sampling.
  • The future shape of water

    Feature story
    Susan Pepperell looks at some of the tough decisions looming around access to freshwater and how science is helping with solutions.
  • Eutrophication Explorer

    A web application tool to explore monitoring data and model predictions related to stream and estuary eutrophication
  • Freshwater species show vulnerability to climate change

    Media release
    A new study has identified seven freshwater species native to Aotearoa-New Zealand that will likely be highly or very highly vulnerable to climate change.
  • Maniapoto Cultural Assessment Framework

    Research Project
    Te Nehenehenui (previously Maniapoto Māori Trust board) and NIWA are working collaboratively to support Ngāti Maniapoto whānau to reconnect with and participate in the assessment of their freshwater according to their values.
  • Eutrophication Risk Assessment

    Research Project
    Eutrophication occurs when nutrients in streams, rivers, lakes and estuaries cause excessive growth of aquatic plants and algae (primary producers).
  • Constructed_wetland_guidelines_cover_Awatuna_Taranaki

    Constructed wetland guidelines

    Constructed wetlands are a water quality restoration tool that can reduce levels of sediment, nutrients and microbes such as E. coli.
  • SHMAK habitat - rubbish

    The SHMAK method for rubbish involves collecting and identifying all the rubbish (litter) in the stream and on the stream banks.
  • SHMAK habitat – visual habitat assessment

    The SHMAK visual habitat assessment gives your stream a score that you can use to assess changes over time or compare streams.
  • SHMAK habitat – streambed composition

    Two methods for describing streambed composition: the visual assessment method is quicker while the Wolman walk is more accurate.
  • SHMAK stream life – how to sort and identify your benthic macroinvertebrate sample

    Use an ice-cream tray to isolate and separate your invertebrates. The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Field Guide helps you with identification.
  • SHMAK stream life – how to get your benthic macroinvertebrate sample ready for sorting

    Before you look at what animals you have collected, follow these methods to clear away debris (stones, sand, leaves, twigs) from your sample in the net.