On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

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 geothermal

    What are the potential sources of chemical contamination from geothermal energy generation activities?

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    Water take and thermal

    How may thermal energy generation activities influence water resources?

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    Water temperature and thermal

    Generating electricity creates a lot of wasted energy in the form of heat, which then needs to be cooled before it can be discharged into the environment.
    Freshwater quality

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    Riparian vegetation and hydro

    What are the potential influences of hydro-dam activities on riparian vegetation?

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    Sediments and hydro

    How may hydro-dams influence sediments in waterways?
    Freshwater quality

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    Altered water flow and hydro

    How do hydro-dams potentially influence water flows?

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    Environmental Information Update

    Publication series
    The latest updates about NIWA's EI work delivered to your inbox in our e-newsletter.
    Freshwater quality
    Tsunami

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    Examples and expertise

    NIWA has wide-ranging expertise in toxicology testing.

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    Standard tests

    NIWA offers both water and sediment tests, using a range of organisms.

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    Mitigation

    Some options to minimise the effects of dams on water quality and mahinga kai.

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    Impacts of geothermal

    How does geothermal energy generation impact water quality and mahinga kai?

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    Mitigation

    Steps to minimise the effects of thermal energy generation on water quality and mahinga kai.