Looking for fresh-water alternatives

Exploratory Harbour Bores

Wellingtonians are acutely aware of the looming threat of "the big one," a severe earthquake that would damage critical infrastructure including power and water services. In particular, the city’s major water feed pipes are located alongside State Highway 2 (sitting precariously on top of a main faultline). The pipes are predicted to fail in 30 places in a 7.6 magnitude quake, and parts of Wellington are likely to be without water for up to 100 days after an event like this. 

There were multiple options including another pipe route, or tapping into a potential underwater aquifer. 

Starting with a desktop study and seismic survey, our teams set out to identify any fatal flaws that would stop development or utilisation of the potential underwater aquifer. We also looked at optimal locations to drill the test bores. After completing two exploratory bores (approximately 2.5 kilometres apart), logging over 150 metres of retrieved core data to inform the 3D geological model, we confirmed the aquifer’s location as expected—and the water was treatable. 

With the discovery of treatable fresh water, the team and the city of Wellington can continue exploring the viability of this alternate source of water. Something to have in case of emergency. Estimates hold that this extra source would reduce time without water for locals from 100 days to 30 or fewer.