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New monitoring wells stand guard over water supply
News release 16 March 2007
New monitoring wells stand guard over water supply
New monitoring wells stand guard over water supply A secure water supply for the region's four cities is being further ensured as Greater Wellington begins drilling new 'sentinel' wells in Petone next week.
The new wells will improve monitoring of salinity and water levels in the Waiwhetu aquifer, which lies under the lower Hutt Valley and Wellington Harbour. The Waiwhetu aquifer is the source of approximately 40 percent of water supplied to Wellington, Porirua, Hutt and Upper Hutt cities.
Greater Wellington Utilities Committee Chair Cr Rex Kirton says the project is part of a wider programme to minimise risk to our water network and ensure that residents can continue to enjoy a reliable supply of top quality water.
He says that although water from the Waiwhetu aquifer is already being monitored by a sentinel well at McEwan Park - near Greater Wellington's Gear Island well-field and water pumping station - the new wells will give a much improved level of security.
"The aquifer holds fresh water, from the Hutt River. If salt-water from the harbour was able to get in, it could damage the aquifer for water supply. We're putting more monitoring in place to improve our confidence that everything remains OK down there."
The two new wells near Petone Wharf, at the TS Tamatoa building (160 The Esplanade), will give an early warning of any salt-water intrusion into the aquifer. The new, deeper well at McEwan Park will give early warning of any salt-water near our Gear Island water production wells.
Drilling begins next week at McEwan Park and in mid-April for the two wells near Petone Wharf. The deeper of the two wells near the wharf will penetrate approximately 76 metres below ground level, while the McEwan Park well will penetrate 36 metres below ground. The cost of the project is $250,000.
The work should not have an impact on traffic flow along the Esplanade and pedestrian access will be provided around the work sites.
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