Wairau River
Investigations of surface water - groundwater interactions
The Wairau River is recharging the coastal Wairau Plains Aquifer, providing water for municipal use and irrigation of Marlborough's largest wine area. The aquifer shows signs of declining groundwater levels in the past decades. Among many other factors, changes in river morphology may have contributed to this decline.
Contemporary and historic channel of the Wairau River at the field site. A wider active river channel and more intensive braiding would enhance groundwater recharge from a perched river.
River bathymetry before and after the flood in 2021. Distinctive shifts in pools and secondary channels and river incisions can lead to a disconection between the active river channels and the regional aquifer.
