Photo: Supplied / Earth Sciences New Zealand
A world-first study of New Zealand's aquifers reveals that some wells contain groundwater that is 40,000 years old with scientists warning they'll be put at risk if too much water is taken.
Earth Sciences New Zealand has developed a series of maps and models identifying the source and flow patterns of our aquifers and large river catchments, as part of a six-year research programme.
It's found that groundwater provides 40 percent of our drinking water, and has discovered that more than 80 percent of the water flowing through our rivers, streams and wetlands when it's not raining, is from aquifers.
"That is far,
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