An investigation of the source of elevated nitrate concentrations in the shallow groundwater and a spring-fed stream at Lowes Bush in Parkvale was completed using age dating and isotope analyses. It had been suggested that the source of this contamination was the historic Waingawa Freezing Works that closed 30 years ago. The study found that the elevated concentrations observed are a result of current catchment land uses, including pastoral-based farming and industrial discharges.

Keywords: Groundwater quality, nitrate, Waingawa, land use

Author: Tim Baker