Petone (Pito-one) was where the 1st attempt to colonise the area was made.
Originally people of the area used the water from the Hutt River for a number of years.Later, Artesian Water was discovered which provide much better and purer water.
Now days the residents are supplied treated Artesian water, also free untreated Artesian water is available from The Spring of Life ( Te Puna Wai) which is located in Buick Street with the junction of Jackson Street, the main street of Petone.
The water is free of micro organisms and organic substances. This is possible because it is filtered over the time it takes to arrive at this point.
Every day when passing The Spring of Life you will see people filling up water containers,with many traveling long distances to get there.
Water from the Hutt Valley River works its way through layers of sand and gravel which in turn are surrounded by layers of silt and clay. The water starts at Taita Gorge north of the Hutt Valley.
Over a number of years the water will travel through sand and gravel before it reaches Petone and the Spring of Life. From here it will continue into the Harbour at Wellington before finishing it journey at the mouth of the harbour where its meets the Cook Straits.
So if every out near Petone don’t forget to take some water containers and give it a try. Even if you forget there is a small drinking fountain on the site.
There is a very food information sign that will give some good information about the history Artesian Water.
The fountain was designed by Louise Purvis and was commission in 2003/
Petone’s Artesian Water Fountain
James/ Windy Hill Flying Club.
WildBay 