New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research abstracts

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Baseflow water chemistry in New Zealand rivers 1. Characterisation

MURRAY E. CLOSE

Ilam Research Centre
DSIR Geology and Geophysics
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
P. O. Box 29 181, Christchurch, New Zealand

ROBERT J. DAVIES-COLLEY

Water Quality Centre,
DSIR Marine and Freshwater
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
P. O. Box 11 115, Hamilton, New Zealand

Abstract In late summer to autumn 1987,96 rivers throughout New Zealand were sampled in baseflow (< median flow) conditions, usually on three separate occasions. A wide range of water quality determinands were analysed to characterise water quality comprehensively at lower than median flows. River waters in New Zealand range widely in composition, particularly plant nutrients, but tend to be more dilute than world average freshwater (WAFW) because run-off (specific yield) of water is generally high. Sodium and calcium are the most important cations in New Zealand rivers which can be described as "calcium-sodium bicarbonate waters", whereas WAFW is calcium bicarbonate water. Almost all river sites met existing guidelines and standards for drinking water, ecological protection, and freshwater fisheries.

Keywords baseflow; frequency curve; water quality; guidelines

New Zealand Journal ofMarine and Freshwater Research, 1990, Vol.24: 319-341 Crown copyright 1990
Received 23 February 1990; accepted 2 July 1990

PDF file of entire paper: medium quality (1649K); (scanned from paper original: notes about this process)

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