Hydrogeological support for the Orari environmental flow and water allocation plan

Abstract

An environmental flow and water allocation plan is being developed for the Orari River, South Canterbury. In 2006/07, an integrated field study of surface water shallow - groundwater was undertaken of the region. As part of the study, shallow groundwater levels started to be monitored throughout the catchment. These levels provide a useful data series from which the dynamic properties of the shallow Orari aquifer can be studied and information gained on probable aquifer recharge mechanisms. The hydrodynamics of the shallow Orari aquifer were characterised, based on analysis of daily time series hydrograph data available from 10 shallow monitoring wells. A Groundwater Data Analysis tool that is built around the mathematical Eigen-model, and which has recently been developed by Lincoln Venture Ltd was applied for this purpose.