Phase 1 (2016 and 2017)

Phase 1 was designed to demonstrate ‘proof of concept’ for Managed Aquifer Recharge.

The Lagmhor MAR Pilot Site was established and began operations under consents granted by Environment Canterbury and Ashburton District Council (ADC).

Consent was also granted to take and use un-utilised ADC stockwater from the Rangitata River, which was diverted via the Rangitata Diversion Race on through the MHV Water Irrigation Scheme into the recharge basin. Further information is available in our 2016/17 and 2017/18 reports.

Phase 2 (2018 -2020)

With a successful Phase 1 outcome, the Lagmhor Pilot site continued to operate and ten additional MAR sites and one NRR site were added to the scheme under an additional 5-year trial consent.

The comprehensive testing regime covering groundwater quality and quantity as well as a range of other environmental measures continued. Further information is available in our 2018/19 and 2019/20 reports.

Phase 3 (2021 – now)

Phase 3 involves the upscaling of MAR and Near River Recharge (NRR) concepts to a scheme that covers the Hekeao/Hinds Plains. Replacement consents for water take and Pilot Site discharge were granted in 2021, with three further consents (use of Rangitata Diversion Race Management Ltd water, MAR discharge and NRR discharge) under application.

During this phase, HHWET also began the Irrigation Nutrient Recycling project and worked with other agencies to trial solar powered Targeted Stream Augmentation, and Constructed Wetland / Bioreactor combinations. Further information is available in our 2020/21 report.