Exploring the source: A Level geographers visit Waitākere Dam

Their field trip to the Waitākere Ranges offered a firsthand look at the engineering and environmental science behind the Waitākere Dam - one of the city’s key water sources.

The purpose of this trip was to support the students upcoming Environmental Management topic. This module explores how dams around the world are used to manage water as a resource. This trip provided valuable context and insight ahead of classroom learning.

Upon arrival, students enjoyed a scenic tour of the dam led by experienced technicians from Watercare. The guides shared their expertise on the dam’s operation, including how it supports the migration patterns of native eels - a detail that surprised and intrigued many. Students were also granted access to the dam’s gallery, an internal passage used for monitoring and maintenance - a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes of such an important facility.

Next, the students undertook a hands-on activity to construct makeshift water filters using materials such as bark, sand, paper towels and cotton balls. These filters were tested in a turbidity challenge to determine which design produced the clearest water.

Overall, the trip was both educational and enjoyable. Students appreciated the opportunity to engage with real-world geography and were happy to get their steps in while exploring the history and inner workings of the Waitākere Dam.