Assessment of Present Take and Utilisation of the Tokaanu Thermal Bath-House

Abstract

The Tokaanu geothermal bath-house is located in an active part of the Tokaanu- Hipaua-Waihi thermal system. It is of high cultural importance and a viable commercial asset. The bath house utilises natural thermal spring water and bore water from a shallow well. Recent studies have indicated that the loss of pressure in the shallow reservoir due to the abstraction of water near the bath-house is partly responsible for the recent decline of the natural features in the Tokaanu reserve. This work focuses on the assessment of the current level of utilisation of the geothermal fluid and provides recommendations for a more efficient use of the available energy. This can minimise the abstraction of bore fluid to help the pressure recovery of the shallow reservoir while maintaining the operation of the bath-house.