Otakiri Aquifer

The Otakiri Aquifer is located inland from Matata in the Bay of Plenty (BOP), New Zealand. The aquifer belongs to a ‘Deep System’ and is tapped at around 200 metres. The aquifer is artesian (no pumping is required at the bore) with strong pressure being driven from the Rotoma Hills. Water age is around 50 years and its catchment is a large area of natural native bush. The pattern and magnitude of concentration of elements is consistent, based on samplings taken since 1896, and has no seasonal fluctuations. The water is technically ‘spring water’ with a TDS (total dissolved solids) of 130 mg/L. Density of human population in the surrounding area is less than one person per square kilometre. No commercial of industrial activity takes place in the recharge area and no such activity is forecast for the future. An independent geographical report from the BOP Regional Council states “the water ranks as probably the deepest, highest quality water in New Zealand”. (Source: Otakiri Springs website). Several bottlers draw from the spring, with local landmark and extinct volcano Mt Edgecombe visible from each plant.