Gisborne Aquifers

Groundwater is water that comes from the ground. It's water that's travelled through the soil to underground 'aquifers'. Aquifers are porous geological formations, often gravel and sand which act like a sponge, soaking up and storing water. Groundwater is the main source of water in the middle of the Poverty Bay Flats away from the Waipaoa River. The aquifers supplying groundwater were formed from gravel deposits left behind by the Waipaoa River over many thousands of years. Groundwater in the Gisborne region is used for the irrigation of crops, water for stock and to provide vital backup drinking water when other sources are unavailable. Groundwater is particularly important as the rivers and streams of the region all typically have low flows in summer. Almost all the known groundwater aquifers in the region are located on the Poverty Bay Flats. There are over 1,400 bores on the flats drawing water for irrigation and domestic use.