Water resource development for expanded irrigated agriculture on the Canterbury Plains

Abstract

Assuming the ultimate for intensive irrigated agriculture on all suitable land of the Canterbury Plains, estimated water requirements are compared with water resources in rivers and groundwater. Preliminary conclusions are that sufficient water exists for the conjunctive use of surface and groundwater resources with or without artificial storage but that further studies are imperative before an optimum plan can be formulated. Thirty studies are suggested and discussed. The parties should decide on cooperative effort, priorities and sharing of results.