Te āheitanga o te kōtuinga wai i Tāmaki Makaurau
Network capacity in Auckland
Find out where there is network capacity in Auckland.
The map below shows where there is capacity in our water and wastewater networks and treatment plants to support new housing, and where there are capacity limitations.
In most areas where there are limitations, we are planning projects to upgrade or expand the infrastructure. The timeframes for these projects are shown in the table that accompanies the map.
- Click here for a map and information about network capacity limitations in Ōtara
- Click here for a map and information about network capacity in lower North Shore
- Click here for a map and information about network capacity in west Auckland
A few rural areas have historic constraints that we inherited when we took over the region’s water and wastewater services in 2010. These are very small communities and we are not planning to increase network capacity in these areas.
Find out when we will address the network limitations
Read or download our network capacity map and table of helpful information.
How we have categorised each area, and what they each mean
How we have categorised each area, and what they each mean
Area with capacityOur bulk infrastructure (treatment plants and large pipes) in these areas generally has capacity to support growth.
The map focuses on capacity at a town or suburb level. Across Auckland, some individual streets may be limited due to bottlenecks in local water or wastewater pipes. We encourage people to assess the impact of their proposed development as part of the resource consent process.
Our bulk infrastructure (treatment plants and large pipes) in these areas generally has capacity to support growth.
The map focuses on capacity at a town or suburb level. Across Auckland, some individual streets may be limited due to bottlenecks in local water or wastewater pipes. We encourage people to assess the impact of their proposed development as part of the resource consent process.
Area with capacity closely monitoredOur bulk infrastructure (treatment plants and large pipes) in these areas is being closely monitored for one or more of these reasons:
- Our data shows that, on average, some locations have more than two wastewater overflows a year.
- Our data indicates that, on average, some locations have more than one but less than two wastewater overflows per year and we anticipate the wastewater network’s performance to decline due to growth in the area.
- There may be limitations in the bulk water supply network.
Our network discharge consent sets a target of no more than two overflows per location per year on average. However, more frequent overflows are permitted by our consent if this is the best practicable option and we have a plan in place to improve the situation.
The map focuses on capacity at a town or suburb level. Across Auckland, some individual streets may be limited due to bottlenecks in local water or wastewater pipes. We encourage people to assess the impact of their proposed development as part of the resource consent process.
This is a new category we’re introducing to provide greater transparency of network capacity.
What this means for potential developers
There is generally capacity in the bulk infrastructure serving these areas, but we are monitoring capacity closely. Some larger developments may be declined at resource consent stage, depending on the specific location and impact to our networks. We encourage anyone wanting to develop in this area to check our online tool as early as possible in their investment process.
It’s possible that these areas could have limitations in the future. We are developing infrastructure programmes to support future growth in these areas.
Our bulk infrastructure (treatment plants and large pipes) in these areas is being closely monitored for one or more of these reasons:
- Our data shows that, on average, some locations have more than two wastewater overflows a year.
- Our data indicates that, on average, some locations have more than one but less than two wastewater overflows per year and we anticipate the wastewater network’s performance to decline due to growth in the area.
- There may be limitations in the bulk water supply network.
Our network discharge consent sets a target of no more than two overflows per location per year on average. However, more frequent overflows are permitted by our consent if this is the best practicable option and we have a plan in place to improve the situation.
The map focuses on capacity at a town or suburb level. Across Auckland, some individual streets may be limited due to bottlenecks in local water or wastewater pipes. We encourage people to assess the impact of their proposed development as part of the resource consent process.
This is a new category we’re introducing to provide greater transparency of network capacity.
What this means for potential developers
There is generally capacity in the bulk infrastructure serving these areas, but we are monitoring capacity closely. Some larger developments may be declined at resource consent stage, depending on the specific location and impact to our networks. We encourage anyone wanting to develop in this area to check our online tool as early as possible in their investment process.
It’s possible that these areas could have limitations in the future. We are developing infrastructure programmes to support future growth in these areas.
Area with limited capacityOur bulk infrastructure (treatment plants and large pipes) in these areas is limited because our data shows that, on average, some locations have more than six wastewater overflows per year, and growth is expected to continue.
Our network discharge consent sets a target of no more than two overflows per location per year on average. However, more frequent overflows are permitted if this is the best practicable option and we have a plan in place to improve the situation.
The map focuses on capacity at a town or suburb level. Across Auckland, some individual streets may be limited due to bottlenecks in local water or wastewater pipes. We encourage people to assess the impact of their proposed development as part of the resource consent process.
What does this mean for potential developers?
In these areas, developments of up to five additional standard houses – or developments with expected wastewater volumes equivalent to up to five standard homes – can go ahead unless there is a bottleneck in a local water or wastewater pipe. Larger developments will be declined at resource consent stage. We will continue to closely monitor capacity and may review this position in the future.
Our bulk infrastructure (treatment plants and large pipes) in these areas is limited because our data shows that, on average, some locations have more than six wastewater overflows per year, and growth is expected to continue.
Our network discharge consent sets a target of no more than two overflows per location per year on average. However, more frequent overflows are permitted if this is the best practicable option and we have a plan in place to improve the situation.
The map focuses on capacity at a town or suburb level. Across Auckland, some individual streets may be limited due to bottlenecks in local water or wastewater pipes. We encourage people to assess the impact of their proposed development as part of the resource consent process.
What does this mean for potential developers?
In these areas, developments of up to five additional standard houses – or developments with expected wastewater volumes equivalent to up to five standard homes – can go ahead unless there is a bottleneck in a local water or wastewater pipe. Larger developments will be declined at resource consent stage. We will continue to closely monitor capacity and may review this position in the future.
Area with no capacity right nowOur local water or wastewater treatment plants in these areas are nearing or at capacity and/or the area is regularly experiencing overflows on private properties from manholes or gully traps.
The map focuses on capacity at a town or suburb level. Across Auckland, some individual streets may be limited due to bottlenecks in local water or wastewater pipes. We encourage people to assess the impact of their proposed development as part of the resource consent process.
What does this mean for potential developers?
We are planning to replace or upgrade infrastructure to address these capacity limitations and enable growth, however the timeframes for these solutions can vary.
In some cases, such as Warkworth and Wellsford, Auckland Council can still grant resource consents with conditions that no connection can be made to the water or wastewater network until the necessary infrastructure has been delivered.
In most places, developments that already have resource or building consent can proceed as normal. If the resource or building consent was granted on the basis that a public water or wastewater connection would be available, the property will still be able to connect to our services, provided all other consent conditions are met.
On the Hibiscus Coast, where the situation is unique, developments that have building consent can proceed as normal and the property will still be able to connect to our services, provided all other consent conditions are met. Developments with resource consents are encouraged to get in touch with us so we can understand the timing and scale of connections required. No new resource consents are being approved. Click here to learn more.
Our local water or wastewater treatment plants in these areas are nearing or at capacity and/or the area is regularly experiencing overflows on private properties from manholes or gully traps.
The map focuses on capacity at a town or suburb level. Across Auckland, some individual streets may be limited due to bottlenecks in local water or wastewater pipes. We encourage people to assess the impact of their proposed development as part of the resource consent process.
What does this mean for potential developers?
We are planning to replace or upgrade infrastructure to address these capacity limitations and enable growth, however the timeframes for these solutions can vary.
In some cases, such as Warkworth and Wellsford, Auckland Council can still grant resource consents with conditions that no connection can be made to the water or wastewater network until the necessary infrastructure has been delivered.
In most places, developments that already have resource or building consent can proceed as normal. If the resource or building consent was granted on the basis that a public water or wastewater connection would be available, the property will still be able to connect to our services, provided all other consent conditions are met.
On the Hibiscus Coast, where the situation is unique, developments that have building consent can proceed as normal and the property will still be able to connect to our services, provided all other consent conditions are met. Developments with resource consents are encouraged to get in touch with us so we can understand the timing and scale of connections required. No new resource consents are being approved. Click here to learn more.
No capacity long termThese are rural areas with historic constraints that we inherited when we took over the region’s water and wastewater services in 2010. We are not planning to increase network capacity in these areas.
These are rural areas with historic constraints that we inherited when we took over the region’s water and wastewater services in 2010. We are not planning to increase network capacity in these areas.
About the map
- If you are considering building in an area with a capacity limitation, please click here before you start working on your project. The online tool will help you understand whether your project could be impacted.
- The map focuses on capacity at a town or suburb level. Across Auckland, some individual streets may be limited due to bottlenecks in local water or wastewater pipes. We encourage you to assess the impact of your proposed development as part of your resource consent process. If a network limitation is identified, you may need to upgrade the local network. See our consents page to understand the key steps in the resource consent process.
- We will update this map regularly.
- While this map offers a broad overview of our network capacity, please use our GIS maps to zoom in on areas with network limitations. In GIS, click on ‘layers list’ and then ‘planning areas’.
How we support growth in Auckland
Over the next 10 years, Auckland’s population is forecast to grow by 13 per cent, adding another 215,000 people to our current population of 1.75 million.
We align our asset management planning with Auckland Council’s Future Development Strategy. This helps to ensure that we are investing in the right areas and at the right time to support anticipated growth.
This financial year we plan to invest more than $1billion in new and upgraded water and wastewater infrastructure for Auckland.
This is part of a $13.8 billion investment planned for the next decade – about half of which is for projects that support growth.
Press release: Updated network maps clarify development potential across Auckland
Questions and answers
Questions and answers
I’m planning to build a home in an area that appears to have limitations. What should I do?We encourage you to click here and use our online tool before starting work on your project. It will let you know if your project could be impacted.
We encourage you to click here and use our online tool before starting work on your project. It will let you know if your project could be impacted.
I’ve already got building consent in an area that is showing limitations. What does this mean for me?Developments that already have building consent are not impacted by these growth limitations. If the building consent was granted on the basis that a public water or wastewater connection would be available, the property will still be able to connect to our services, provided all other consent conditions are met.
Developments that already have building consent are not impacted by these growth limitations. If the building consent was granted on the basis that a public water or wastewater connection would be available, the property will still be able to connect to our services, provided all other consent conditions are met.
I’ve got resource consent but I don’t have engineering plan approval or a building consent. What does this mean for me?We encourage you to click here and use our online tool.
We encourage you to click here and use our online tool.
I’m planning to build a new development in an area that appears to have no growth limitations, according to the map. Does that mean I’m fine to proceed? While there is plenty of capacity to support growth in Auckland, there are still some very localised limitations. For example, some individual streets may be limited due to bottlenecks in the local water or wastewater pipes. We encourage you to assess the impact of your proposed development as part of your resource consent process. If a network limitation is identified, you may need to upgrade the local network.
See our consents page to understand the key steps in the resource consent process.
While there is plenty of capacity to support growth in Auckland, there are still some very localised limitations. For example, some individual streets may be limited due to bottlenecks in the local water or wastewater pipes. We encourage you to assess the impact of your proposed development as part of your resource consent process. If a network limitation is identified, you may need to upgrade the local network.
See our consents page to understand the key steps in the resource consent process.
I want to build a new development but have been told that no connections to the wastewater network will be available for several years. Can I build an alternative wastewater solution?Any alternative wastewater solution must meet the Code of Practice. We will not support wastewater tankering or off-peak pumping arrangements.
Any alternative wastewater solution must meet the Code of Practice. We will not support wastewater tankering or off-peak pumping arrangements.
Can I pay my infrastructure growth charge early and secure my connection? No, we cannot ‘hold’ capacity in our networks for a property that is not ready to connect.
No, we cannot ‘hold’ capacity in our networks for a property that is not ready to connect.
What do you mean by a 'standard' home? By a 'standard' home, we mean a dwelling with 2-4 bedrooms. For planning purposes, we refer to 'development unit equivalents' or DUEs, when estimating a development's demand on the wastewater network. For example, a larger commercial development may contribute the same amount of wastewater as five standard-sized homes. We would therefore consider this a development of 5 DUEs.
By a 'standard' home, we mean a dwelling with 2-4 bedrooms. For planning purposes, we refer to 'development unit equivalents' or DUEs, when estimating a development's demand on the wastewater network. For example, a larger commercial development may contribute the same amount of wastewater as five standard-sized homes. We would therefore consider this a development of 5 DUEs.