Selwyn_Times: October 19, 2022

Wednesday October 19 2022 Selwyn Times 29
SELWYN RURAL LIFE
First for Water Quality Monitoring
For the first time, people can explore the health of New
Zealand’s monitored lakes on an interactive map.
Everyone can check the results of freshwater monitoring in their
region on the LAWA project’s environmental data website, www.
lawa.org.nz.
LAWA Lake Science Lead Dr Jane Groom said the new LAWA
Lake Quality topic map showed interesting spatial patterns – in
particular the difference in lake condition between our high
elevation lakes that are generally in good health, and lowland
lakes that are in poor condition.
“In our analysis we found 82% of monitored lowland lakes are
in a poor or very poor condition, meaning they are nutrient
enriched with an increased likelihood of algae bloom events.”
The interactive map function has been available for four years
on the LAWA River Quality topic and tens of thousands of people
have used it to better understand the health of our waterways.
Dr Groom was hopeful that having this function now available
for lakes would help more people to connect with these precious
waterbodies.
“Through the interactive map, people can see the state and
trend of a whole range of lake health indicators and click through
to a site page to see monitoring histories for nutrients, algae,
bacteria, and water clarity. It’s a big step forward in making
information about New Zealand’s lakes freely available,” she said.
LAWA River Science Lead Dr Coral Grant said the science
team have also been exploring the state of rivers and streams at a
national level, and how this varies over time and by surrounding
land cover.
“The common theme between degraded lakes and stressed
rivers is that they are found in areas where the land is highly
modified, whether that be urban environments or pasture.
The latest river and lake water quality assessment from Land,
Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) shows Canterbury is a “mixed
picture”, Environment Canterbury says.
Regional council Canterbury chair Jenny Hughey said it was
important to reflect on the state of all Canterbury rivers, streams
LAWA’s online interactive map covers 16 areas in New Zealand and reports on river water
quality, lake water quality, groundwater quality, air quality, land cover and estuary health.
and lakes, particularly our iconic braided rivers.
Hughey also noted the recent launch of a new website for one of
our most iconic “lakes” (actually a coastal lagoon), Te Waihora/
Lake Ellesmere.
“The LAWA river water quality national picture summary from
2012 to 2022 shows Canterbury has similar challenges to the rest
of Aotearoa,” she said.
“It’s a mixed picture at a high level showing little change
over the last few years. Clearly though, the more modified the
landscape (with urban being the most modified), the poorer the
water quality.”
Canterbury had been addressing this for several years, mainly
via the Canterbury Water Management Strategy and our
freshwater planning framework,” Hughey said.
Firewood & Coal
Coal
20 kg bags or
500kg bulk bags
Firewood
Pick up or deliver
(delivery charges apply)
Free delivery to Darfield township when
3 cubic metres or more is ordered.
Landscape Products
Now Available!
• Forest Mulch
• Bark Mulch
• Bark Nuggets (10/20mm)
• Premium Organic Compost
• Screened Soil
• Landscape Rocks
• Paparoa Red Rock available in 3 grades
• Railway Sleepers (2.1 Lengths)
• Kindling Wood
• Unscreened Bark
Delivery fees apply.
417 Creyke Road,
Darfield
Phone 03 975 4502
Eftpos now available
Open Monday to Friday 6am-6pm, Saturday 8am-1pm or after hours by appointment
Canterbury
Timber & Hardware
Call in today for your free quote!
Rural Farm
Shed Series
The CTH Rural Farm
Shed Series is your
affordable choice
for feed or vehicle
storage, workshop, or
utility shed. Designed
and engineered for
Canterbury’s high
wind and 0.9kpa
snow loading they are
available in a range of
kitset sizes and prices
to suit most budgets.
167 Manion Road, Rolleston
P 03 347 7465 E sheds@cthl.co.nz W www.cthl.co.nz
Monday-Friday: 7am-5pm Saturday: 8am-12pm
GET YOUR RURAL
BUSINESS NOTICED
When you advertise your rural business in the Rural Life feature
in The Selwyn Times, your ad will reach 21,720 rural and
residential households across the ENTIRE Selwyn District.
The Selwyn Times is delivered FREE each Wednesday, covering
the latest local news and information with digital editions also
available to view online at www.starnews.co.nz.
CALL Lynette TODAY to discuss how she can help
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS to local Selwyn readers,
or to the entire Canterbury district.
Don’t forget to ask about our “Support Local” packages to
assist the Covid Business recovery. We’re here to help!
Contact Lynette Mobile: 021 222 7831 Email: Lynette.Evans@starmedia.kiwi