Updated network maps clarify development potential across Auckland

We have updated our network capacity maps to give developers clearer guidance on where growth is supported and where closer monitoring is in place.

Head of wastewater planning Andrew Deutschle says the map was first published in November last year to show developers where there is capacity to support growth, and where there are limitations.

“However, there’s been a misperception that any area identified as having a limitation was closed for development. This is not the case. In fact, of the more than 3400 queries we’ve responded to since publishing the maps, we’ve confirmed capacity is available in more than 3000 cases.”

Previously, some areas on the map were displayed as having either a water or wastewater limitation, or both.

“We recognise it’s more useful for potential developers to understand the status of each area, rather than the particular limitation, so as part of our commitment to regularly review and update the map, we’ve changed the way each area is labelled and provided more explanation on our website,” Deutschle says.

“We have also further analysed our network data, including the frequency of wastewater overflows, to ensure we have the right areas noted on the map, and appropriate controls in place to protect the environment.”

As a result of this work, the map shows new zones where our team is closely monitoring capacity. These include Glendowie, Otāhuhu, East Tāmaki/Flat Bush and the Epsom/Newmarket/Remuera area.

“These areas generally have capacity in the bulk infrastructure – that’s our treatment plants and large pipes – but we’re keeping a close eye on them as they may be experiencing more overflows from the network, or there may be limitations in the water supply network in the future,” Deutschle says. “We may need to decline some larger developments at resource consent stage, depending on the specific location and impact to our networks.

“It’s possible that these areas could have capacity limitations in the future, so we wanted to give developers as much notice as possible by including them on the map. We are developing our infrastructure programmes to support future growth in these areas.”

Our investment in a growing Tāmaki Makaurau

Enabling growth is a core priority outlined in our recently-published 10-year Business Plan.

The plan includes a $13.8 billion investment to deliver more than 1000 water and wastewater projects for Auckland. About half of this investment will be spent on new and expanded infrastructure to support population growth.

Deutschle says: “We are 100 per cent committed to enabling growth in Auckland and align our asset management planning with Auckland Council’s Future Development Strategy.

“We’re making progress every day. Our $38m upgrade to lift capacity and improve technology at our Wellsford Wastewater Treatment Plant is on track to be completed next year.

“At Clarks Beach, we’ve just started tunnelling the new outfall that will ultimately carry highly treated wastewater from the growing south-west region as part of our south-west wastewater servicing scheme.

“Last month, we finished installing the $115m Huia 1 watermain that runs for 15km from Titirangi to Epsom. It replaced an old pipeline build in the 1940s that was nearing the end of its life, and added capacity to support new housing.

“This month, we’ll be starting construction on our Archboyd Pump Station in Māngere, which enables new housing in Māngere East and supports future population growth in Favona.”

Work on two new pump stations serving the Pukekohe area is also expected to begin later in the year.