Deals on Wheels, Farm Trader, CAM
DEMYSTIFYING WATER STORAGE NAVIGATING A FRESHWATER LANDSCAPE
The challenges we face as a nation, with the global population of more than eight billion individuals all needing to be fed, are undeniable. Providing safe, nutritious, dependable, and affordable food and drinking water for every New Zealand citizen, as well as making a substantial contribution to the diverse needs of global consumers, is emerging in our conversations with a sense of urgency.
As we confront this challenge, the reality of a discernible impact of all human existence on the land we inhabit becomes increasingly apparent. At the same time, we’re becoming more aware of the realities of climate change. While the extreme weather events of 2023 leading to catastrophic floods are still top of mind in many communities, so, too, are the long-term and deeply felt impact of droughts; these must not be overlooked in our collective memory.
Water, the elemental force that has sculpted New Zealand’s landscape for eons, flowing through mountains, valleys, rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and the coastline lie at the heart of a complex policy conundrum.
The rich history of freshwater management in New Zealand is intricately woven into the very fabric of our nation; we’ve all benefited from hydroenergy and irrigated food production. Water has not only shaped the physical features of our land but has also brought sediments and distributed the nutrients that form the soils we’ve cultivated for generations. Our agricultural prowess, thriving on abundant water and a climate conducive to farming, has allowed us to prosper as a nation, which is undeniable.
New Zealand has diverse landscapes with its unique flora and fauna, also reliant on freshwater. Amid a complex narrative and sometimes emotive headlines, a pivotal question arises: how do we demystify the role of human intervention in these natural systems, especially when the topic of water storage is broached? This opportunity to advance becomes crucial as we look to strike a sensible balance between harnessing the benefits of water for agricultural needs and preserving the environmental, social, and cultural values that make New Zealand a cherished home for both people and its natural wonders.
Water storage and distribution
Understanding the multifaceted role of water storage and distribution infrastructure in freshwater management is imperative in this context. As we explore the interplay between storage, distribution, land use change, and the broader functions of freshwater, we need a collective conversation to unravel the complexities at the heart of our nation’s water-related challenges.
New Zealand, with its unique geographical features and climatic variations, demands a nuanced approach to water management. The western coastlines, with their natural high and increasing rainfall, stand in stark contrast to the drying
Understanding the role of water storage and distribution infrastructure in freshwater management is imperative
conditions to be faced by our eastern productive regions. Understanding the pivotal role of storage in upholding a dependable water supply is essential. By capturing water during periods of abundance and releasing it strategically during times of high demand, storage facilities play a crucial role in ensuring a consistent and reliable water distribution system. Dams, reservoirs, ponds, constructed wetlands, aquifers, rivers, and pipelines are the backbone of this system, working in unison to ensure a steady and reliable water supply.
The importance of a national, regional, and community conversation cannot be overstated as we navigate these challenges. Striking a balance between the various needs of society — ranging from food production to energy, recreation to environmental conservation — requires a collective effort. Viewing the benefits of water storage not in isolation but as an integral part of a broader freshwater management strategy becomes clearer in this collaborative endeavour.
Enabling changes in land use is integral to our agricultural evolution. However, the success of such transformations hinges on the certainty and reliability of water supply. This symbiotic relationship between land use change and water availability underscores the need for strategic and tactical water storage to facilitate these shifts.
New Zealand boasts abundant freshwater resources, and allocations for consented takes represent only a fraction of the total precipitation. The apparent over-allocation during summer months could be addressed through an extended annual freshwater perspective where storage facilities play a crucial role in smoothing the transition from high rainfall seasons to low precipitation high demand periods.
Challenges of freshwater management
Navigating the complexities of freshwater management requires a blend of science and practical understanding. An evidencebased approach, grounded in long data sets and trends, should guide our decisionmaking, steering clear of emotionally charged debates, and mitigating the risk associated with talking about averages and percentages. This is particularly relevant when considering the impact of climate change on precipitation patterns and the availability of freshwater resources while acknowledging the human elements in planning for where we live and produce our food.
Addressing the multifaceted challenges of freshwater management demands a collective effort. National, regional, and community discussions must converge to form a cohesive strategy. A holistic freshwater strategy is not only essential but encompasses various aspects crucial for our society: food production, drinking water, firefighting, energy production, flood protection, sediment control, and recreational use.
As the strategy trickles down from the national level to regional implementation plans, individuals must actively participate in decision-making. But time is pressing, and we need clear decisions to be made.
Enablement, improvement, and adherence to standards — these become the building blocks for achieving the outcomes we collectively desire in freshwater management. The agricultural community, in particular, stands at the forefront of these changes, necessitating a collaborative effort to ensure sustainable and reliable water access for farming operations while befitting the whole of society with multi-purposed water storage and distribution infrastructure.
Water storage emerges not as a standalone solution but as a sensible and strategic component of a broader freshwater management strategy. By fostering a balanced dialogue and embracing an intergenerational perspective, we can pave the way for a sustainable water future that not only meets the diverse needs of our farming community but also ensures the overall wellbeing of our nation. The dilemma posed by the increasing human population and its impact on our land and water resources is a reality we cannot ignore. The role of water storage in shaping our agricultural landscape and addressing the challenges of freshwater management is both a practical necessity and a nuanced balancing act.
IrrigationNZ is a national membership organisation that looks after the interests of irrigating farmers, growers, and the industry professionals who service them. We actively engage with our members and other stakeholders in the delivery of irrigation best practices and helping shape freshwater policy.