This month our 13 Ag Science class joined with the TBHS class on our annual ECAN Water Quality field trip to the Opihi River.

Day 1 we gathered data from 4 sites on the river between Mt Dobson Rd and SH1 for the Ag 3.1 Investigation. Measurements included the number and type of invertebrates, water clarity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, nitrogen and phosphorus. Students worked in groups to gather data and collect samples enjoying the sun and the water and becoming more confident and efficient as the day went on.

Debbie Eddington from ECAN arranged visits to two dairy farms where farmers explained the on-farm risks to water quality and the management practices they are implementing to manage these risks

Day 2 involved speakers at ECAN:  a Land Management Advisor, Dairy NZ, Opuha Water and finished with the ECAN Surface Water Scientist demonstrating the water analysis process for nitrates and phosphates.

It was a great opportunity for students to have a first-hand experience of a significant local environmental challenge and to be exposed to the complexity of measuring, monitoring and mitigating the negative impact of farming practices.