Taranaki region

Groundwater is abstracted from the sandstone and shelly limestone layers and several relatively extensive aquifers have been identified within the formation. Bores abstracting from the Whenuakura Formation typically display yields of up to 20 litres per second. Recharge to these aquifers is not well understood. Some recharge may occur via the overlying Volcanics Formation in the north and in the far south where the overlying marine terraces are relatively thin. Some recharge may also occur where the formation is exposed in incised river valleys to the eastern hill country.

There are currently 24 consents to take groundwater from the Whenuakura Formation aquifers. Water is taken for a range of uses including dairy farming, industrial and municipal water supply purposes. There is limited abstraction pressure on the Whenuakura Formation aquifers at present. Monitoring by the Council indicates groundwater levels within the Whenuakura Formation are stable.