Our Projects / Project Phases

Project Phases

2016 — 2017

Phase 1

Phase 1 was designed to demonstrate 'proof of concept' for Managed Aquifer Recharge. The Lagmhor MAR Pilot Site began operations with consents from Environment Canterbury and Ashburton District Council. Consent was also granted to take and use un-utilised ADC stockwater from the Rangitata River through the MHV Water Irrigation Scheme. Annual reports from 2016/17 and 2017/18 provide additional details.

2018 — 2020

Phase 2

Following Phase 1's success, operations expanded to include ten additional MAR sites and one NRR site under a 5-year trial consent. The comprehensive testing regime covering groundwater quality and quantity as well as a range of other environmental measures continued. Reports from 2018/19 and 2019/20 document this period.

2021 — Present

Phase 3

Phase 3 involves the upscaling of MAR and Near River Recharge (NRR) concepts to a scheme that covers the Hekeao/Hinds Plains. Replacement consents were granted in 2021. Activities included the Irrigation Nutrient Recycling project and trials of solar powered Targeted Stream Augmentation, and Constructed Wetland / Bioreactor combinations.