History

Fresh water quality degradation is a pressing global predicament. A mere 2.5% of the world’s water is potable, with virtually all of it being stowed away as subterranean groundwater. Regrettably, excess nitrogen emanating from intensive agriculture & other sources leaches to our water which leads to nitrate formation and subsequently impacts human health and natural ecosystems. 

The rising nitrate problem has fueled global regulations and a call for extensive measurement and monitoring. In 2015, a group of scientists successfully installed various new groundwater nitrate sensors in a remote location in the South Island of New Zealand. These scientists realized that building robust and calibration-free nitrate sensors could overcome a significant obstacle in resolving the nitrate-in-waterway issue. 

Subsequently, with Lincoln Agritech and KiwiNet’s financial support, Professor Ian Woodhead, Dr. Blair Miller, and Dr. Dave Rankin invented a robust optical nitrate sensor that can remain in the field for months without requiring maintenance. These HydroMetrics sensors are cost-effective, precise, and built to survive in challenging industrial, agricultural, and environmental landscapes. They are particularly designed to work well in farming, irrigation, potable water, horticulture, and research applications - operated by people without technical backgrounds. 

These sensors provide real-time groundwater monitoring that empowers resource users to become passionate environmental stewards of the land and water.

Technical and Development Partner

Lincoln Agritech supports HydroMetrics with technical, research, and business services as part of its mission to deliver innovative research and development of responsive, sustainable solutions that enable industries and communities to thrive in a healthy environment.