Glossary

A downpipe collects rainfall (stormwater) from the roof and should connect to the stormwater network only, not the wastewater (sewage) network.

The deposited plan (e.g. DP 3456) records land transfer subdivisions, and may show the property's boundaries and area. It is part of the legal description of a property.

The water that we supply through your taps. It is used for drinking and also for cooking, washing, showering, flushing the toilet, watering the garden etc. Businesses use it for activities such as making products or cleaning.

Works on public water or wastewater pipes require engineering approval from Auckland Council. This includes submitting compliance statements (CS1, and CS2 if required).

Every two months, your bill is based on an estimate (an approximate calculation) of your water use, rather than an actual reading of your meter. The estimate is based on your past two actual readings. If the estimate differs from your actual water use, your next bill will be adjusted automatically.

A fitting in the street or other public place for drawing water directly from a watermain. It has a nozzle for attaching a standpipe or fire hose.

All households with a water meter pay a fixed wastewater charge as well as the volumetric charge. The fixed charge pays for maintaining the public wastewater network. There is also a fixed charge for wastewater-only customers who do not have a water supply.

A tap close to a water meter that lets water flow through the meter. It is upstream of the meter, which allows the meter to be isolated when the tap is repaired or replaced.

The wastewater from the bath, shower, bathroom sink and washing machine.

The point where you find water when you dig a hole in the ground. Also referred to as the water table.