Each year when winter rolls around, annoying leaks, groundwater and stormwater can all start to look the same – they look like a puddle on the ground. And each winter we receive an increased volume of requests to fix suspected leaks in the community. However, sometimes when our crew reach the site, they find the suspected leak isn’t a leak, it’s groundwater or stormwater. These types of callouts are called non-jobs and account for 10 per cent of our team’s total jobs. To reduce non-jobs and improve our efficiency when tending to actual leaks, we need your help to correctly identify leaks from groundwater and stormwater. With your help, we can focus on leaks and wastewater issues on the public network.
What is stormwater?
Stormwater is runoff from rain which is naturally absorbed by plants and soil. Excess stormwater will flow into the stormwater network (drains) which are managed by Auckland Council. However, when stormwater meets hard surfaces such as pavements and parking lots, it can’t be properly absorbed by the ground, leaving a puddle or flood. These puddles are often seen in winter due to the constant wet weather.
How do I know if I'm looking at stormwater?
If it has been raining or drizzling in the past few days, the puddle you are looking at on the pavement is likely stormwater and doesn’t need reporting. If it hasn’t been raining and there is no oily or orange tinge to the puddle, you could be looking at a leak. Leaks on the public network (footpaths, berms, roads) need to be reported to us.
Who deals with stormwater issues?
If you are concerned about a stormwater issue or stormwater flooding (like the photo below) is affecting a public asset such as manholes, drains, ponds, wetlands or roads, please call 09 301 0101 to get in touch with Auckland Council.
There are two types of manholes:
- Stormwater manholes are managed by Auckland Council
- Wastewater (sewage) manholes are managed by us
If you see a manhole leaking or overflowing, in the first instance, please click here to chat with our team over LiveChat.
Help reduce our non-jobs by reporting only leaks on the public network. Use the information below to determine whether the water you are looking at on your berm, driveway or road is groundwater, stormwater or a leak. Remember, when you are reporting a public leak or a wastewater issue, please include photos so our team can prioritise the job accordingly.
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Leaks
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Groundwater
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Stormwater
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Wastewater (sewage)
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Appearance
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Water gushing out from an unknown source.
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A puddle on the ground in low lying areas.
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A puddle on the ground or a flood in wet weather.
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Greywater gushing out from an unknown source or a puddle on the ground.
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Colour
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Clear
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Typically has an oily sheen or orange tinge.
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Clear/muddy
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Grey/dirty
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Who is responsible?
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If found on a public location such as a footpath, berm or road, please report to us.
If found on your private property (any location between the water meter and the home/business), contact a registered plumber.
Click here for more info
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If found in a public area such as a footpath, please leave it to dry.
If found on private property (any location beyond the water meter), contact a registered plumber or drain layer.
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Stormwater issues are managed by Auckland Council.
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If you have a blocked drain or wastewater (sewage) overflow, call us before you call a plumber. We will assess, at no cost to you, whether the cause is in the public pipe or in your drain.
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How to report
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Report any leaks on the public network via our LiveChat service or call 09 442 2222. Please always include photos with your reports.
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No need to report.
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Call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.
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Report via our LiveChat service or call 09 442 2222. Please always include photos with your reports.
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