"Lake" considered

Kaitaia could avoid water shortages in future if a vast aquifer north of the town proves to be a viable water source.

Far North District councillor Dennis Bowman says an aquifer that extends from Houhora to Sweetwater could meet the town’s water needs tenfold.

"It’s been described to me as an underground lake," he says.

The council has ruled out taking water from the aquifer at Sweetwater in the past, deeming it to be costly and too far from town.

"The council moved away from underground sources when it had contamination problems with the Te Maire bore."

It will reconsider the aquifer as a potential water source in light of Landcorp’s plans to draw 40,000 cubic metres of water for dairying operations at its Sweetwater farm.

"It became apparent how much water was underground when Landcorp changed from dry stock to dairying."

Mr Bowman says piping water from the aquifer would reduce Kaitaia’s dependence on the Awanui River, Kauri Dam and Okahu Stream and provide industry with a plentiful supply.

- © Fairfax NZ News