A study looking at the effects of February's earthquake on Christchurch's rivers and estuary will help to guide decisions on waste water and recreational use.
The study has been launched by the Christchurch City Council and the Canterbury Regional Council, which will work alongside Ngai Tahu and the Canterbury District Health Board.
The regional council's director of investigations and monitoring, Ken Taylor, says the discharge of sewage, trade waste and silt-laden storm water has changed the chemistry and ecology of the city's waterways.
Mr Taylor says those involved in the study will meet regularly to review urban water issues.
