Our water resources/groundwater team provides a vital link between our decision-making, water users, and statutory parties.
Leading their efforts is Principal Scientist Joseph Thomas, who has been working with Tasman water resources for more than 40 years – stretching back to the Nelson Catchment and Regional Water Board in the 1980s. He says it’s the people and the community we help and inform that make the job worthwhile.
The team ensures detailed data is collected (along with the hydrology team) and required analysis is carried out on the various rivers and aquifers for water management.
This involves monitoring river and aquifer flows and levels, as well as providing technical support for consenting, community infrastructure and policy teams.
We monitor groundwater levels in all the major aquifers in the District and currently operate 50 automated groundwater level monitoring sites. Some of the sites are near the coast and also monitor salinity to see if any seawater incursion is happening.
We also regularly collect water samples from bores and wells across Tasman for a range of monitoring purposes.
The team’s environmental management advice and expertise extends to working collaboratively with other council scientists, government research agencies, universities and external parties on national projects.
The team plays a key role in the ongoing monitoring, implementation and reporting on the Water Conservation Order for Te Waikoropupū Springs in Tākaka, and the Motueka and Buller Catchments.
During the summer months, the team also provides important oversight to inform Tasman’s Dry Weather Task Force.