Museum manager Fiona Ferguson said now the bore was successfully drilled and an electronic water system was installed and in operation.

Providing a reliable watering supply has allowed the establishment of a picnic area and new turf is on it way.

The bore is the result of the donation two years ago from generous sponsor Richard Glasson, Ms Ferguson said.

It has been conservatively estimated to deliver water in the vicinity of 4000 gallons per hour and is described as a very good supply.

It is slightly brackish and has yet to be analysed but Ms Ferguson said it was quite suitable for use in the grounds and in certain situations in the building.

Planning for the bore has been in the pipeline for two years, with the drought leaving tank manufacturers and water drillers almost unable to cope with demand.

At one stage plans were almost abandoned, so the arrival of the rig in winter was a cause for excitement.

However, more setbacks were afoot. The roar of the drill continued hour after hour until eventually the doubts began to creep in.

A massive unexpected gush of water suddenly changed their minds, as a forceful plume of water gushed to the surface.

Ms Ferguson extended her sincere thanks to Richard Glasson for his sponsorship, to the drilling company who wish to remain anonymous and everyone associated with the project.

"The board has ensured that this water resource will be properly managed into the future by incorporating guidelines for its responsible use into the museum's environmental policy," she said.