Addressed challenge(s)

Ngakoaohia River Pollution in New Zealand

Collaborating actors (stakeholders, professionals, young professionals or Indigenous voices)
Suggested solution

The solution approach begins with identifying the region's main rivers and understanding their hydrology using mapping and geoprocessing tools. After understanding the hydrograph of the area, high-resolution satellite images are utilized to identify upstream potential pollution sources.

Software Requirements:

  • QGIS
  • Google Earth

Outline steps to get to a solution

1. Follow step 1-4 of the solution Surface water extent / river course to develop the hydrograph

  1. Plot the Region of Interest (completed)
  2. Identify the region's main rivers and understand their hydrology (completed);
  3. Identify the region's potential flood areas using H.A.N.D.;
  4. Build a hydrography dataset (completed);

2. Locate potential contamination sources

  1. Use QGIS and Google Earth high-resolution satellite images to  locate potential contamination sources

    Identifcation of potential sources of pollution upstream the communities land
    Figure 1: Identifcation of potential sources of pollution upstream the communities land.
  2. Take a field trip to confirm the potential sources of contamination (in progress)

     

    Map showing the potential source of contamination near the river.
    Figure 2: Map showing the potential source of contamination near the river.

     

3. Select the appropriate monitoring method (in progress)

  • Media for monitoring (water, sediment, suspended particles)
  • Sampling locations, sampling frequency
  • Physical, chemical and biological  parameters for measurement
  • Weather

To ensure the safety and quality of drinking water, Drinking Water Standards (Standards) define Maximum Acceptable Values (MAVs) for a variety of contaminants that pose a threat to its quality and safety. These values are based on the World Health Organization's guidelines.

The Drinking-water Standards for New Zealand are listed here.
 

 

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