Deep Wairau Aquifer

During the 1997/98 drought a number of irrigation supply wells in the Fairhall area ran dry and owners were forced to drill deeper in search of water.

A previously unknown deeper layer was discovered at depths of greater than around 150 metres below the surface.

The new system was called the Deep Wairau Aquifer.

The system is old, having been underground for up to 40,000 years. This is reflected in its relatively poor water quality, due to the extended period of interaction with the local geology.

The plan shows the known extent of the Deep Wairau Aquifer, although, as the question marks indicate, this is far from certain due to the small number of wells which tap it. It is fair to say it remains an unquantified resource in terms of its extent and recharge mechanism.