Freshwater

Estuaries in New Zealand are experiencing sedimentation at higher rates than before humans arrived here: this represents a loss both for land and estuary productivity. We need to better understand what has been happening so that we can predict the future and fight these losses.

A significant threat to the biosecurity of New Zealand's freshwater habitats comes from plants that have been intentionally introduced.

NIWA has developed a model to assess the potential weed risk of aquatic plants.

NIWA is leading research aimed at helping local government to plan the development of New Zealand's cities and settlements in a way which protects and enhances the services and values associated with urban water bodies.

The objectives of this case study were to provide an example of how a risk assessment of an urban drainage system can be undertaken using an existing operational model

Stormwater management is recognised by the Ministry for the Environment as a local government service that is potentially at risk from climate change and may need adaptation.

Stormwater treatment is becoming increasingly important as we learn more about the adverse effects of diffuse pollution on our receiving environments.

Urban stormwater can contain a variety of contaminants at a wide range of concentrations, collected as the rainwater runs over impervious surfaces.

See our ID guides for invertebrates.

ID guides to a range of macrophytes.

Urban drainage systems include pipe networks, streams and rivers, often in a highly modified condition.

NIWA has a range of services and research capabilities to assist with assessing and managing the effects of stormwater and urban development on streams, estuaries and harbours.