"The purpose of the lysimeter programme is to provide scientific data on the amount of recharge received to the groundwater systems over time," says Barber.
"This will better inform what volumes of groundwater can be made available for allocation under our regional plans and consenting programmes."
Lysimeters can't predict a drought, however the information collected is still useful, she says.
"The associated soil moisture, temperature and rainfall data that is collected can assist with land use management such as irrigation timing and so on."
Coster says he can call up lysimeter data on his cellphone, which is very handy. The lysimeter on his farm accurately measures rainfall hour-by-hour and measures four-inch ground temperatures.
"That indicates the rate at which grass will grow and the other data is the infiltration of water into underground cylinders that are about the size of 44-gallon drums," Coster says.
"It enables us to anticipate how dry it's getting and indicates what the trends are.
"So perhaps that might mean we won't buy any more stock because we might run out of grass."
Coster says they don't buy feed for their sheep and cattle and the lysimeter allows them to judge grass to stock requirements.
"It's been a very useful tool."
Monitoring equipment costs about $8500 to purchase and upkeep of a station is the same annually.
It is covered under a programme of investigation agreed by the council, Barber says.
There is an opportunity to be part of the programme in the Western Bay of Plenty area, particularly Katikati, and within the Opotiki plains.
Give groundwater scientist Diane Harvey a call 0800 884 880 if you are interested.
