Freshwater quality

Nutrients in waterways are essential for the growth of algae and aquatic plants but too much can destroy an ecosystem.

NIWA discusses, in depth, this year's most asked question—what is happening to our fresh waterways?

In Kaitiaki Tools the term mahinga kai generally refers to indigenous freshwater species that have traditionally been used as food, tools, or other resources.

Waterways can easily become contaminated by pathogens when effluent is discharged nearby.

Returning water to our waterways after we’ve used it in our homes, on farms and in industry is a complex and challenging process.

Banded kōkopu juveniles are very good climbers and will try to escape from buckets by clinging to and wriggling up the sides.

When soils erode, sediments are washed into waterways.

There are two methods to determine visual clarity in SHMAK; the clarity tube (or SHMAK tube) and the black disc method.

NIWA is doing a nationwide study to discover what makes the best riparian projects. Help us give you the knowledge to make the best riparian management decisions possible by taking our 5 minute survey.

NIWA provides technical background information on "Clean Water" swimmability proposals.

New Zealand’s freshwater and estuarine resources provide significant cultural, economic, social, and environmental benefits. Competition for the use of these resources is intensifying, and many rivers, lakes and estuaries are now degraded.