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Land‐use impacts and water quality targets in the intensive dairying catchment of the Toenepi Stream,New Zealand
Authors:Robert J Wilcock  Ross M Monaghan  John M Quinn  Alan M Campbell  Bruce S Thorrold  Maurice J Duncan
Institution:1. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Limited , P.O. Box 11–115, Hamilton, New Zealand;2. Invermay Agricultural Centre , AgResearch Limited , Private Bag 50034, Mosgiel, New Zealand;3. Environment Waikato , P.O. Box 4010, Hamilton East, New Zealand;4. Dexcel Limited , Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, New Zealand;5. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Limited , P.O. Box 8602, Christchurch, New Zealand
Abstract:Water quality monitoring in Toenepi Stream, New Zealand, started in 1995 in a study of dairy farming influences on lowland stream quality and has continued since then with brief interruptions. Surveys have provided information about changes in farm and soil management practices as they relate to environmental sustainability. Although average water quality in Toenepi Stream has changed little during 1995–2004, there have been some notable improvements. Water clarity measured by black disc has improved from 0.6m to 1.5m, and median ammonia‐N and nitrate‐N concentrations have declined by 70% and 57%, respectively. The frequency and magnitude of extreme concentrations have declined—most notably for nitrogen (N) forms, which also had decreased mean values. Specific yields for suspended solids (SS) and phosphorus (P) forms in 2002–04 were 47–67% of 1995–97 values, mainly because of lower water yields. Reduced specific yields for N forms in 2002–04 (34–37% of 1995–97 yields) were also attributable to lower mean concentrations in stream water. Faecal bacteria concentrations have not abated and are on average 2–3 times recommended guideline values for contact recreation. Fewer dairy farms and an increased proportion irrigating dairyshed effluent to land, rather than discharging it to the stream via two‐pond systems, were likely causes of improvement in water quality. Water quality targets were developed for Toenepi Stream to achieve contact recreation criteria for the Piako River (downstream) and for intrinsic habitat values for Toenepi Stream. A range of mitigation measures has been formulated to meet these targets, but substantial uptake of sustainable farming practices is needed to improve water quality in Toenepi Stream.
Keywords:land use  dairy  water quality  lowland stream  monitoring
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