Groundwater Pollution: Myth and Reality Implications for Rural Subdivision
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Groundwater Pollution: Myth and Reality Implications for Rural Subdivision A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters of Science m in the University of Canterbury by Virginia, K. Wilkinson (Gendie). University of Canterbury 1994 1 Abstract The extensive groundwater beneath the Canterbury Plains is an important source of domestic water. In some areas the potability of groundwater is at risk from high bacteria and nitrate-nitrogen concentrations. A combination of human use on the land with associated development in a growing District such as the Waimakariri, and an unconfined aquifer has led to groundwater pollution. This pollution is a perceived potential hazard and threat to the health and safety of rural communities of North Canterbury. This thesis explores the groundwater resource at Mandeville, North Canterbury, and assesses the pollution potential. It also discusses the perceptions of the different interested parties involved with groundwater and its quality. Management options and decision-making as they relate to this perceived problem are also discussed. This thesis has recognised that if this water resource is intended for future use, untreated, then holistic management of the groundwater and land resources is necessary. 11 Acknowledgements I wish to thank a number of people for their continued support throughout the year. These people have provided me with inspiration and come to my aid when necessary. Firstly, I'd like to thank my supervisor Professor Bob Kirk, for his constructive input. I would also like to thank Dr. Eric Pawson who helped with brain-storming in front of the white board, your input was most appreciated. Thanks to all the staff of the Geography Department, for a great five years. I would also like to thank the residents of Mandeville who helped me with surveys, and pleasured in showing me around their farms. Who would guess the fun you have grovelling around the undergrowth looking for septic tanks. Thanks also to the staff at the Waimakariri District Council especially the Design Team, the staff of the Canterbury Regional Council, Environmental Science and Research and Health Link South. Thanks Hel, for the extra work you did with the surveys and data inputting. My mother and father merit special thanks. Without the flow of love, encouragement and money over the last five years, this thesis would have never been possible. This is also extended to Gran, Nana and Grandad who have provided more than love and encouragement. Thanks Steve for your love, help and understanding over the years. Thanks to my comrades on the second floor, the joviality was endless both in and out of Varsity, especially my room-mates Ned 'what is a conservation ethic?' Hardie-Boys and Kev 'have you got an hour to spend gazing at the white board?' Bishop. A big 'cheers' goes out to the Musketeers of Peacock Palace, Nik the green thumb, Kate. the spider woman, Mark the muso and Justin who kept us all sane (Hey! ....... you're all stylers). Long live Friday night Jazz at Bardellies, 'Santorini' and 'Americanos'! 111 Table of Contents Pages Abstract 1 Acknow ledgements 11 List of Figures V11 List of Tables VB Chapter One: Introduction 1 1.0 Preface ......................................................................................... 1 1.1 The Issue: Groundwater Pollution .............................................. 2 1.2 Research Questions .................................................................... 3 1.3 An Introduction to the field area: Mandeville ............................ .4 Conflict between use and abuse .................................................... 6 1.4 Methodology ............................................................................... 8 1.5 Thesis structure ........................................................................... 9 1.6 Summary ..................................................................................... 11 Chapter Two: Contextual Framework 13 2.0 The Environment and Society Relationship ...................................... 13 A Traditional Approach ................................................................. 13 2.1 Impacts at different spatial and temporal scales ................................ 15 A spatially renowned 'hot topic' ...................................................... 16 The Development of international organisations ............................... 17 2.2 National Legislation: A change in the way we view resources? ...... 19 Water legislation in New Zealand ................................................... 20 Structural change in New Zealand in the 1980s and 1990s ................. 21 The Resource Management Act 1991.. ............................................... 22 2.3 Adopting hazard literature .................................................................. 24 2.4 Summary ............................................................................................ 27 Chapter Three: The Physical Environment 29 3.0 Groundwater and the broader picture ................................................. 29 3.1 Hydrogeology ..................................................................................... 31 The medium ................................................................................ 31 IV Aquifers ....................................................................................... 33 3.2 Development of the Canterbury aquifers ........................................... 34 The geology of Canterbury ............................................................ 34 3.3 Geological influence on groundwater flow ....................................... 35 Aquifer recharge ........................................................................... 37 3.4 Summary ............................................................................................ 38 Chapter Four: Groundwater Pollution 41 4.0 Pollution characteristics .................................................................... 41 Natural determinants .................................................................... 41 Degree of localisation ....................................................................42 Loading history........................................................................... 43 4.1 Water Quality - What are the pollutants ............................................ 43 Organic components ................................................... ~ ................ 43 Biological contaminants ............................................................... 43 Trace metals ................................................................................. 44 Nutrients ...................................................................................... 44 Aesthetic qualities ........................................................................ 45 4.2 Problems with the Canterbury groundwater.. ................................... 45 4.3 Field area data.................................................................................... 49 Water quality results ..................................................................... 49 4.4 Summary ............................................................................................ 54 Chapter Five: Resource Development 55 5.0 Resource development.. ............................................. ~ ...................... 55 Part One 5.1 Land resource ..................................................................................... 56 New Zealand's history in the primary production sector .................... 56 The Waimakariri District.. .................................................................. 58 5.2 Uses of the land resource at Mandeville ............................................ 60 Farm size ............................................................................................ 60 Landuse in Mandeville and its impact on the groundwater resource ......................................................................................... 60 5.3 The Impact of rural residential living on the groundwater system ..... 68 Research in Canterbury ................................................................. 68 Sewage characteristics and effects .................................................. 69 What are the treatment and disposal alternatives ............................... 71 v On-site septic tank systems ........................................................... 72 Disposal systems .......................................................................... 74 A reticulated sewerage system ........................................................75 What is the best practicable option ................................................. 76 5.4 Summary of Part One ......................................................................... 77 Part Two 5.5 Water resources and the demands made by the population ............... 79 Public health issue ........................................................................ 79 Potable water demands in the field area .......................................... 79 Mandeville Water Supply .............................................................. 80 Water treatment ............................................................................ 82 5.6 Summary of Part Two ........................................................................ 83 5.7 Chapter Summary .............................................................................. 84 Chapter Six: Perceptions of Water Quality 85 6.0 The contrariety