He whakapai ake i te kounga wai i ngā muriwai
Improving water quality in lagoons
We are working with the community to improve the water quality at Karekare, Piha, North Piha, Te Henga, and Little Oneroa lagoons.
Current state of the lagoons
These lagoons are currently not safe for swimming due to faecal contamination from humans, and from animals like cows, ducks and dogs.
Human contamination is coming from untreated wastewater from households getting into waterways. This happens when septic tanks, long drops and hi-tech systems are not properly maintained.
During summer, there is also an increase in visitor numbers in the area. As a result, there is also an increased load on septic tanks.
How we are addressing the problem
- Awareness programmes focusing on better management of septic systems within the catchments.
- Better follow-up of known septic system issues.
- Better management of council-owned wastewater systems in the area.
- Supporting landowners to fence their livestock from waterways.
- Discouraging bird feeding, and encouraging picking up after dogs.
- Our 'Retrofit your septic tank' initiative.
Help us keep the lagoons clean
- Maintain your septic tank system and get it checked by a professional.
- Spread out shower and laundry use to avoid a water ‘rush hour’.
- Manage water use when you have lots of visitors.
- Use eco-friendly cleaning products.
- Watch out for signs of a septic system failure.
- See Managing wastewater on your property.
Related topics
Install or alter an on-site wastewater treatment and disposal system | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/building-and-consents/building-renovation-projects/Install-alter-on-site-wastewater-treatment-disposal-system | Install or alter an on-site wastewater treatment and disposal system | Check when you need a consent to install or alter an on-site wastewater system, what you need to know before you apply for a consent, and your responsibilities after you've installed the system. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Building and consents | |
Managing wastewater on your property | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/looking-after-aucklands-water/Pages/maintain-septic-tank.aspx | Managing wastewater on your property | Your septic tank needs a regular pump-out service to remove scum and sludge buildup. Check for specific requirements if you live in Waitākere or Aotea / Great Barrier Island. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Water quality | |
Safe Networks | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/looking-after-aucklands-water/water-quality-targeted-rate/Pages/safe-networks.aspx | Safe Networks | Safe Networks conduct monitoring and investigations in our streams, watercourses and stormwater network to identify contaminants and track them to their source. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Environment | |
Help to improve the marine environment in your area | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/looking-after-aucklands-water/looking-after-our-waterways/Pages/help-improve-marine-environment-in-your-area.aspx | Help to improve the marine environment in your area | There are local groups actively contributing to the health of our marine environment and coastlines. Find out what these environmental organisations do. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Water quality | |
Stormwater and waterway projects | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/looking-after-aucklands-water/managing-growth-our-stormwater-network/Pages/stormwater-and-waterway-projects.aspx | Stormwater and waterway projects | Through improvement projects on our stormwater network and waterways, we try to minimise flood risks, manage stormwater and prevent water contamination. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Stormwater | |
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