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Kawerau Council is working to resolve structural issues with the geothermal bore at the Maurie Kjar Aquatic Centre, impacting pool temperatures. The new bore, drilled in November 2021, has faced problems starting in 2023, including calcite and silica build-up.

A clean-out in September 2023 and further work in January 2024 revealed weaknesses in the bore casing and insufficient depth. The council is investigating long-term solutions, including chemical and high-pressure air treatments, and has engaged contractors for maintenance and monitoring to ensure compliance and minimize environmental impact.