Auckland has a diverse range of aquatic environments from the pristine streams of the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges to coastal estuaries entering the Kaipara, Manukau and Waitematā harbours. They support a unique variety of flora and fauna that contribute significantly to the region’s ecological, cultural and economic value.
By world standards, Auckland water is generally of a good quality, but is increasingly at risk as land use intensifies throughout the region. As a result, water quality in many urban and rural areas is degraded. This has a negative effect on aquatic life and limits recreational and cultural use of our aquatic environments.
Water quality is managed in various ways within the council. Water quality advisors manage the development and implementation of water quality programmes such as beach water quality monitoring and stream monitoring, as well as taking care of projects related to onsite wastewater treatment systems.
The team also provides technical advice to the public and across other council units to achieve best possible outcomes for water quality around the region. Some of our key activities currently underway are:
- Safe swim (beach water quality monitoring)
- Rural stream monitoring and management in areas impacted by failing onsite wastewater systems
- Water quality improvement programmes such as Project Pipi
- Liaison and partnering with Watercare regarding receiving environments
- Integrated catchment management planning in conjunction with our stormwater staff.