Year 7-9 students from Raglan Area School have been involved in monitoring water quality in Raglan for the last three years, with our very own WEC environmental scientist.
The students have learnt about the hydrological cycle and how water moves around the planet, and water pipes and how all storm water drains run to the sea without treatment. They have also learnt some interesting facts like: the water in the ocean is 37,000 years old, a family uses around 500 litres each day in their homes, and heavy metals (not the music!) and poos (faeces) in the water can cause some health problems.
We have measured water quality at three sites; using indicator sticks and chemical tests to identify specific parameters, like copper, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, conductivity and nitrates.
What did they find?
Copper (a heavy metal) is present in some storm water drains in town. Faecal coliforms (bacteria that feed on our poo) are higher in the estuary near the Marine Parade Bridge.
Thanks to EW for funding this project for the last three years, and thanks to WWF NZ the project is continuing this year.
Raglan Area School kids testing storm water drains for heavy metals.
