Skip to main content

Ngā whatunga wai haumaru

Safe Networks

About the programme

Safe Networks is a joint initiative between our Healthy Waters department and Watercare. It is funded through the Water Quality Targeted Rate.

It aims to reduce public health risks at Safeswim sites and other prioritised areas. Safe Networks team members investigate by taking water samples, analysing the level and type contamination and also by looking for the source of the problem.

We then work to stop the contamination spreading and reduce the risk to the public.

Contamination causes

Faecal contamination (human and animal waste) in our waterways can be caused by:

  • cross connections between the stormwater and wastewater networks
  • damaged public and private drainage.

When faecal contaminants are found to come from human sources, drainage investigations are made to find how and where wastewater is getting into the stormwater network or stream.

Where contamination is found to come from natural or non-human sources (for example, birds, dogs or cows) we contact staff in other Healthy Waters programmes to look at options for animal management and control.

Why we do this

Poor water quality can pose a risk to public health, particularly in recreational areas shown in Safeswim.

There is a high risk of poor water quality at our beaches and streams, particularly:

  • after heavy rain
  • in areas serviced by ageing pipe infrastructure
  • in areas with ageing onsite wastewater systems (private septic tanks)
  • following rainfall after long spells of dry weather.

Types of investigations

There are different ways of looking into water quality issues. The method we choose will depend on how bad the contamination is and the size and complexity of the water area.

The Safe Networks team weighs up these factors and selects the most appropriate investigation type to track the contamination.

The four main investigation methods are:

  • Outlet screening: We collect water samples from stormwater outlets or streams discharging directly into Safeswim sites.
  • Network screening: We collect water samples from locations upstream of a Safeswim site in the stormwater network (manholes) or upper stream regions.
  • Public asset investigation: We assess the condition of public stormwater and wastewater systems using CCTV cameras, smoke testing and dye testing.
  • Private drainage inspections: We check commercial and residential drainpipes to ensure they are connected correctly and in good condition. We contact residents before an inspection is done on their property.

Private property inspections

For commercial and residential inspections on private property, we check:

  • roof downpipes are plumbed to the public stormwater network
  • gully traps are raised off the ground to prevent surface and flood water entering the wastewater network
  • wastewater pipes are connected to the public wastewater network.

Investigation timelines

Investigations can take up to six months or more. We need to gather enough results under different weather conditions (wet and dry) to understand the causes of the contamination.

When we find public assets with issues, we pass on urgent or easy-to-fix problems to the relevant Healthy Waters or Watercare operational teams.

When issues are more complex or may be resolved as part of a larger task, our results are referred to teams responsible for long-term improvement projects and asset renewal programmes.

How to check water quality investigation areas

To check where our water quality investigation team is working, visit the Safe Networks viewer website for desktop or Safe Networks viewer website for mobile / tablet.

More information

To get involved in improving your local waterway, see Programmes promoting water quality.

To learn how you can reduce wastewater overflows and protect local waterways, visit the Watercare website.

 Related topics

 

 

Programmes promoting water qualityhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/looking-after-aucklands-water/looking-after-our-waterways/Pages/programmes-promoting-water-quality.aspxProgrammes promoting water qualityWe have established Project Twin Streams and Wai Care to help improve our freshwater quality.aspxEnvironment
Is your beach safe for swimming?https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/looking-after-aucklands-water/Pages/is-your-beach-safe-for-swimming.aspxIs your beach safe for swimming?We provide water quality information for beach and freshwater locations so you can check when and where to swim.aspxWater quality
Managing wastewater on your propertyhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/looking-after-aucklands-water/Pages/maintain-septic-tank.aspxManaging wastewater on your propertyYour 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. aspxWater quality
Water contaminant reduction https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/looking-after-aucklands-water/water-quality-targeted-rate/Pages/water-contaminant-reduction.aspxWater contaminant reduction The water contaminant reduction programme reduces litter, sediment and road pollutants from entering our waterways.aspxEnvironment
What you should keep out of the stormwater drainhttps://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/looking-after-aucklands-water/stormwater/Pages/keep-out-of-stormwater-drain.aspxWhat you should keep out of the stormwater drainHelp keep our waterways clean through simple daily practices. Avoid putting chemicals, rubbish and contaminants into stormwater drains. aspxStormwater