Water is a vital natural resource that all humans, animals and plants rely on to live. It also has many other uses - recreational, commercial, agricultural. This page lists many sources of information about water in Canterbury.
Water saving in Christchurch
Christchurch City Council sometimes issues water restrictions for the city because of dry conditions or earthquake damage to infrastructure. The council website has a comprehensive Water information page and there is more useful information in our libraries' water saving information resources page.
Fracking
Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) is a method for extracting oil and natural gas from rock which may have implications for water supply and quality. Proposals to use fracking in Canterbury have caused controversy. We have compiled a list of recommended websites to provide information about the debate.
Regional and national sources
- Canterbury Water Management Strategic Framework
- Summarises the overall approach and the delivery models ECAN has adopted for the sustainable management and development of the region’s water resources in the years ahead.
Published 5 November, 2009. - Waterwise - Christchurch City Council
- Information on where our water comes from, how we get it, its quality, protecting the water supply, and conserving water. From the Christchurch City Council.
- Your Water - Environment Canterbury
- Includes information about groundwater, rainfall, river flows, water quality. marine farming and aquaculture, and educational resources.
- Fresh Water – Ministry for the Environment
- Official water information, reports, regulations etc from the Ministry for the Environment
- Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment
- Reports and other publications on the management and quality of water in New Zealand.
Looking after the Avon/Heathcote Estuary and Lake Ellesmere
The culvert and outlet at Lake Ellesmere [1909] Selwyn, P6260141
- Waihora Ellesmere Trust
- Charitable trust with a vision for Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora. Information about strategic actions and principles, news and events.
- Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust
- Non-profit organisation formed by the general public and supported by Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury to preserve, research, enhance and involve locals in the Estuary.
Impact of dairying and other agriculture on water supply and quality
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Central Plans Water Irrigation Scheme
- A large scale irrigation scheme proposing to irrigate 60,000 hectares of land between the Rakaia and Waimakariri Rivers, an area stretching from the Malvern foothills to State Highway One.
- Dairy Industry Strategy
Developed by and for the dairy industry, and considers two key questions. Firstly, what will increase the profitability, sustainability and competitivness of New Zealand dairy farmers? And second, how will dairy farmers farm in the future?
- Land management – Environment Canterbury
- The land management team at Environment Canterbury works with landowner and community groups to improve the health of Canterbury’s environment.
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