About 40 wells in the Waitaki Valley between Duntroon and Otematata are being surveyed this month by Environment Canterbury (ECan) as part of a groundwater study aimed at providing information on the state of Canterbury's water resources.
The programme involves taking water samples from about 40 wells, which will be analysed by ECan for water quality.
Testing will include nitrate, phosphorus, iron, hardness and other basic water quality parameters, ECan groundwater quality scientist Carl Hanson said yesterday.
"This programme will give us a snapshot of groundwater quality in the mid-Waitaki Valley. In particular, we are looking at water quality trends as well as areas where there are problems," he said.
The sampling will give a benchmark for water quality, and provide information Ecan needs to develop a long-term monitoring programme for the area.
Consultant URS has been contracted to undertake most of the field work, which will be conducted by environmental scientist Tommy Fluen.
Individual well-owners will be provided with results of analysis from their bores.
