A Citywide Strategy for Auckland Stormwater

Metrowater provides asset planning and operational services for the Auckland City Council (ACC) stormwater drainage system. In this capacity Metrowater is charged with assessment and identification of key stormwater performance issues, including required capital investments to support future growth and development. To guide and manage this process Metrowater is obligated by commitments set forth in the City’s Long-Term Community Consultation Plan (LTCCP) and the Drainage Strategic Review (DSR), and Metrowater current Asset Management Plans (AMP) articulate these same commitments. Key issues identified within these documents include protection of properties from flooding, growth and development, and water quality. In addition there are other issues identified which are directly impacted by stormwater drainage issues such as overflows from the wastewater system. Metrowater, in consultation with ACC, have developed a citywide strategy for addressing stormwater management problems. This paper presents the key elements of this programme, discusses progress made to date, and presents findings from an initial assessment of options for addressing stormwater drainage issues. The programme which is described in this paper can be adapted to other utilities as part of an effective programme to manage stormwater.