Three Waters Management: How Hydrogeology can Keep your Project on Track

In a nutshell, hydrogeology is an environmental sciences specialisation that studies groundwater. Hydrogeological assessments allow our clients to have all the information they need about a site’s groundwater situation before work begins. We identify how groundwater will be impacted throughout the project, so unexpected delays and issues can be avoided along the way.

• extent, depth, and quality of groundwater
• the impact groundwater may have on surrounding areas
• potential for extraction
• inflows, outflows, and uplift pressure
• potential impact on development projects

Groundwater investigations play an important role in protecting and managing our most necessary natural resource. Locating and analysing groundwater before work begins allows us to examine the situation and make a plan before problems arise.

Due to regulatory requirements, local councils, landowners, and commercial developers often require our hydrogeology services before projects can start. Our clients often request assistance in completing groundwater investigations, advising on dewatering for construction, and potential groundwater contamination issues.

We also have capability in 2D modelling using specialised software. This can assist with projects that require dewatering including assessments of potential ground subsidence, groundwater movement through dam walls and flood banks, and groundwater flow through contaminated sites.

Whether a landowner is looking to increase the capacity of existing infrastructure through groundwater abstraction, or assess the useability of a potential water supply, our hydrogeologists can get the information needed to make a comprehensive plan for the future of a site.

With the Three Waters reform and an increased emphasis on Te Mana o te Wai (the vital importance of water), it’s crucial to have the full picture of how groundwater may impact your project. We provide thorough investigations through all stages of the project to help you understand and manage the relationship between groundwater and the surrounding environment.