Our latest water quality data from around the country.
Water temperatures, July to September 2010
Water temperatures were seasonally typical (few anomalies) with typical altitudinal effects (high altitude rivers tend to be relatively cold) superimposed on the normal latitudinal gradient (temperatures decrease north to south throughout New Zealand).
Water clarity, July to September 2010
Visual clarity was very low (<0.2 m) and consistently below normal in rivers in the east of the North Island, which can be attributed to high flows. Otherwise visibility was fairly typical, except for some higher than usual values in the south of the South Island, reflecting low flows.
Note that the data are preliminary, and subject to amendment after quality assurance procedures. We thank NIWA field teams, regional and district councils, and hydro-power companies for providing this information.