Air: monitoring and reporting

Air quality in the Waikato

Here in the Waikato, it's easy to take high quality, clean air for granted. But we do have some areas in our region where, for various reasons, air pollutants can reach or even exceed maximum recommended levels.

Waikato Regional Council regularly monitors and reports on regional air quality. Our air indicators summarise the results of our science and monitoring programmes, and provide a holistic report on the state of the Waikato region's environment.

Rainfall, lake and river level information: Tongariro Power Scheme - Genesis Energy Recent exceedances of PM10

Indicators

Benzene levels in the air

Benzene is an air contaminant that is produced by combustion processes such as burning fuels for transportation and heating and as a result of evaporative emissions.

Carbon monoxide levels in air

Carbon monoxide is an indicator of poor air quality associated with areas of high-density housing and busy roads.

Fine particle levels in air

Waikato Regional Council measures PM10 levels, which is particulate matter in the air less than 10 microns in diameter.

Lead levels in air

Waikato Regional Council measured ambient air lead levels in Hamilton, as motor vehicle emissions used to be a major source of lead.

Nitrogen dioxide levels in air

The main sources of nitrogen oxide are the burning of fossil fuels and motor vehicle emissions, particularly in urban areas.

Ozone levels in air

Ozone in the lower atmosphere is an air pollutant that can impact on our health.

Sulphur dioxide levels in air

Sulphur dioxide is a potent respiratory irritant, and has been associated with increased hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular disease, as well as mortality.

Sources of carbon dioxide

This indicator estimates the proportion of carbon dioxide in the air coming from industry, motor vehicles and domestic heating in the Waikato region.

Sources of carbon monoxide

This indicator estimates the proportion of carbon monoxide (CO) in the air coming from industry, motor vehicles and domestic heating in the Waikato Region.

Sources of nitrogen oxides

This indicator estimates the proportion of nitrogen oxides in the air coming from industry, motor vehicles and domestic heating in the Waikato Region.

Sources of sulphur oxides

This indicator estimates the proportion of sulphur oxides in the air coming from industry, motor vehicles and home heating in the Waikato Region.

Sources of fine particles

This indicator estimates the proportion of fine particles (PM10) in the air coming from industry, motor vehicles and domestic heating in the Waikato region.