This investment helps reduce the risk of flooding across Tāmaki Makaurau, while protecting the waterways and natural systems that support our communities.
Not just money down the drain
When it rains, the water must go somewhere. That ‘somewhere’ is dictated by a network of 7,000km of stormwater pipes across Auckland, along with drains, gutters, culverts and catchpits that carry rainwater safely away from homes, roads and businesses towards local waterways.
As well as managing our stormwater system, the council works to protect and restore rivers, streams, lakes and harbours, helping keep them healthy for people, wildlife and future generations.
Focus on flood-prevention
Reducing flood risk is a major focus for Auckland Council. This year, your rates are helping fund projects that protect people, property and the environment from severe weather, including:
- Upgrading the stormwater network in Newmarket, including separating stormwater and wastewater pipes under Lower Khyber Pass to reduce flooding and improve water quality.
- Renewing key infrastructure such as the East Tāmaki Dam and culverts at Paremuka to reduce flood risk during heavy rainfall.
- Continuing the Making Space for Water programme, which improves stormwater systems across the region while helping communities prepare for and recover from flooding.
Water Quality Targeted Rate
Part of your rates contribution falls under the Water Quality Targeted Rate, a dedicated fund that helps clean up Auckland’s waterways. The average household contributes about $13 a year.
This funding supports projects that:
- reduce wastewater overflows into rivers and the sea
- stops sediment and other pollutants reaching waterways
- restore streams and habitats for native plants and wildlife
- improve the health of beaches, rivers and harbours.
It funds both large infrastructure projects, such as the Newmarket stormwater upgrade, and ongoing initiatives including septic tank education and compliance, contaminant reduction programmes and work to prevent wastewater overflows into our harbours.
What about Watercare?
Although Watercare is part of the wider council group, your rates do not pay for Watercare projects. Those services are funded separately through your water bill.
Watercare is investing in major drinking water and wastewater projects across the region, including:
- a new wastewater pump station, 4.6km wastewater pipeline and new watermain in Waiwera
- bringing the northern half of the 16.2km Central Interceptor tunnel into service to increase capacity and reduce wastewater overflows during heavy rain
- a $500 million programme to replace ageing water pipes, wastewater pipes and treatment plant infrastructure across Auckland.
Visit Watercare for more information.
EXPLORE MORE:
See how we're upgrading Newmarket's stormwater network.
Discover how we're making space for water across Auckland.