Hydrodynamic modelling of Lake Whangape and Lake Waahi

Report: TR 2014/24

Author: HFE Jones and DP Hamilton (University of Waikato)

About this report

The University of Waikato was contracted by Waikato Regional Council to develop hydrodynamic models for Lake Whangape and Lake Waahi, two riverine lakes that provide important habitat for biota in the lower Waikato River floodplain.

The development of these hydrodynamic models is intended to provide the basis of future water quality modelling, to inform the restoration of habitat for native fish and the management of pest fish populations. Rehabilitation of habitat for native fish (e.g. whitebait and eels), and control of pest fish (e.g. koi carp) have been a recent focus for management and restoration of the lower Waikato River.

An important component of this study has also been the collation of available data and identification of critical knowledge gaps that may constrain hydrodynamic modelling.

The study's primary objective is to develop Delft3D hydrodynamic models for the lakes that can be used to assess potential inundation of the lake bed and surrounding floodplain under various conditions, and to provide the basis for future water quality modelling of these two lakes. Further to this, the study aims to identify key information gaps that currently constrain the modelling and to make recommendations into future data collection that may improve model performance and utility.

Read or download the report

Hydrodynamic modelling of Lake Whangape and Lake Waahi [PDF, 3.5 MB]