There are around 8,270 bores (wells) in Otago that access groundwater, usually using pumps. ORC maintains an online database that displays important bore information:
You can search for information on bores in Otago using a map or property address in the WellsNZ database or on Otago Maps
ORC aims to sustainably manage the quality and quantity of our groundwater. Knowing the location of bores and wells is essential for this work. However, the details of many bores in the database are missing or out of date, especially older bores that were drilled before the 1990s.
Keeping bore information accurate and updated helps:
In order to address these gaps in the database, ORC is working to update and verify bore information across the region to better manage and protect our precious groundwater. We’re offering free bore checks as part of this work and are keen to visit as many bores as possible in your area. A visit will be done by either ORC staff or a contractor.
During a visit, we would:
A secure bore head is also important to protect your drinking water. If needed, we can advise on simple ways to improve your bore security.
There are no penalties for bores that aren’t already in our database – we just want to improve the information we have so we can manage groundwater more effectively.
If you're happy for us to check your bore – or confirm if you have one – please contact us using the below online form or reaching out to us at science.groundwater@orc.govt.nz
We’ll get back to you about arranging a visit.
Personal information provided (such as your name or contact details) will be secure and will not be made public. It will be held by Council in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.
The information you supply will be anonymised for research and reporting purposes, it may also be disclosed with your personal information removed to people and organisations who request official information under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.
Please consider the implications of this when you provide information, and please do not to provide any personal or identifying information about another individual, in your response.
For further information please refer to the Otago Regional Council website for our Privacy Ts&Cs and our Customer Privacy Policy.
Having up-to-date bore details in the database helps protect your water supply, as it allows ORC to assess the effects of proposed activities like water take or discharge of wastewater near your bore. It also allows ORC to impose stricter consent conditions or decline applications.
If the bore is not in the database, we probably do not know about it or if its details are incorrect, we won’t be able to help protect your water supply.
If you’re keen to help us confirm or add your bore to the database, please get in touch through the online form and we’ll get in touch and coordinate a visit. This will include taking GPS coordinates, a photograph, and other bore details such as diameter, depth, and bore condition.
In addition to this information, we would also aim to measure the water level in the bore, but we will only do so if it is safe, accessible and will not interfere with its use.
We’ll also let you know if there any bore security issues and suggest ways to fix them. The visit will be made by ORC staff or a contractor.
No. We can, however, advise you on simple and effective ways to improve your bore security if needed.
There will not be any enforcement related to the initial drilling. We will simply add the bore to the database.
Yes, once entered, the bore and its details will be updated and shown in the WellsNZ database
Nothing. The check is free.
Great! Please sign up in the form above. We’ll then get in touch and coordinate a visit.
Have other questions? Get in touch with us at science.groundwater@orc.govt.nz