The health of groundwater wells

HBRC is sending letters to each of the region’s territorial councils and other well owners asking them to check the condition of their well-head and the surrounding area.

“We’re actively in touch with people, fielding calls about wells and giving advice based on the recent gastro outbreak,” says Resource Use Manager Wayne Wright.

“If anyone is aware of an unusual or uncapped well, we would like them to raise it with us to see if further action is needed,” adds Mr Wright.

In the area of the Brookvale bores, the Council has also taken the proactive step of capping historic and abandoned wells when it finds them, at its own cost, which is roughly $500 per well.

There are 3,622 permitted wells in Hawke’s Bay according to HBRC records. Many of these take water for irrigation or stock drinking water. A number of these supply drinking water for municipal and domestic supply.

A ground water bore that is used to supply water to any person for drinking means the well owner has specific responsibilities under the Health Act.

More information on groundwater well maintenance is at hbrc.govt.nz, search: #groundwaterquality.

29 August 2016

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