Collections : Support an artwork on your roadtrips!

Huntly Power Station: sample collected opposite where treated water is pumped into the Waikato river. 

We were called down South from Auckland for a few days to attend a funeral this week. On the trip back North (with the little daylight we had) we collected nine water samples on SH1 between Wanganui and Taupo . If you're going out of town, even just a short way, chances are you'll cross a river or a stream, so keep a couple of containers in the car and stop off if you have time! 

 

Tongariro River - note the fisherman on the bridge base - the no-wet-feet approach to fly fishing.

I've created a collection device from an old juice bottle cut in half, and attached to fishing wire which I can collect samples off bridges from without getting wet, but have found many rivers/streams are readily accessible from the road, so you can just submerge one collection vessle.

Especially if you're in the South Island and using the same collector: Remembering to rinse with detergent solution** and dry between rivers! Say no to didymo! (alternatively, make several catchers)

Please keep spreading this project! The more people it reaches, the better it will be.

**Detergent Solution: soak or spray all surfaces for at least one minute in 5% dishwashing detergent or nappy cleaner (two large cups or 500mls with water added to make 10 litres);

Good News!

Today I have received official confirmation from Department of Conservation that collecting water in DOC lands is allowed:
As long as samples are 250mL (1 Cup) or less, and cause minimal impact to the environment, there are no restrictions or permits required to collect water samples from national parks!

Louise Mack (DOC Auckland Freshwater person) :
Hi Amelia

I have had a look through the legislation and regulations and discussed your query with a couple of colleagues. Freshwater is a very complicated area as it is covered by multiple pieces of legislation so a very simple seeming query can take a while to find a reply to! Anyway as long as there is minimal impact which it appears there is from your description and you are only taking the 250mL water samples then there are no restrictions on you taking your samples from DOC administered land or National Parks. You wont have to apply for a permit for this which is good news!
It is always great finding new ways to deliver messages about our waterways to new audiences. Good luck with your future artworks!

Regards

Louise


So, all you keen hikers out there! Next time you're out on an excursion, take a small jar along :D and grab me a sample! 

Samples: Posted example

This came through the post no problem. Box weighed 1.7kg and cost $6.50 to post. If you'd like to only post one sample, I'm sure it will cost less! As long as samples are packaged so that if, in the unlikely event they do leak, they will not damage other people's mail, you will be fine !! :)

NZ Post Packing Suggestion:
Wrap bottles individually (If they're plastic it should be ok), surround with resilient cushioning material and place in a well sealed polyethylene bag. Pack in a strong cardboard carton with sufficient absorbent material such as newspaper or wood-shavings to soak up any possible spillage

Spectrum: Beginning

The Spectrum Project started up on Facebook on 12th April 2010, and so far has 43 members.

I have one sample taken by Aaron Gash, from the Whanganui river off the wharf below city bridge, and expect others shortly. This is a major undertaking, and I'll need as much help as I can get - will keep this updated with progress reports, photos and related research.