| Waiwhetu Aquifer | |
|---|---|
 Map showing extent of aquifer | |
| Location | Wellington Harbour |
| Coordinates | 41°13′59″S 174°53′28″E / 41.233°S 174.891°E |
| Type | Aquifer |
| Primary inflows | Hutt River |
The Waiwhetu artesian aquifer, sometimes referred to as the Hutt aquifer, is a pressurized zone of water-retaining sand, gravel and boulders beneath the Hutt Valley and Wellington Harbour in New Zealand. The aquifer provides about 40% of the public fresh water supply for Lower Hutt and Wellington city. Water from the Hutt River begins to flow underground south from Taita Gorge, then becomes pressurized under a seal of clay. Water is extracted from the pressurized area for public use, but concerns about overuse and damage by earthquakes have led to investigations of alternative sources of fresh water.