Overview

Stormwater Network

Stormwater culvert at Evans Bay

Stormwater is the water that runs off surfaces such as roads, driveways, footpaths and rooftops. It travels down gutters, into sumps and enters the stormwater network.

Facts about the Wellington stormwater network:

• 650km of pipes
• 20km of tunnels
• 51 years average age of pipes
• $639 million value
• 79 million cubic litres per year
• 530 stormwater intakes
• 12,500 road sumps

Keeping it Clean

Dolphins off Wellington's south coast - photo by Jim Mikoz

Stormwater is discharged - untreated - into Wellington harbours and streams. That's why it's important to keep it as clean as possible. The Council commits resources each year to improving water quality in the inner harbour and along the south coast.

We have thorough sampling schedules and standards to test stormwater for pollution from sewerage, heavy metals and other contaminants.

Residents and businesses must also do their part to keep the stormwater network healthy. Under the Resource Management Act, it's illegal to allow anything other than rain to enter the stormwater system.

To report a pollution incident, please call the Greater Wellington Regional Council Pollution Hotline: 0800 496 734.

Drainage Connections

To request a connection to Wellington City Council's drainage network (sewerage and stormwater), see:

Drainage Connection Application (433Kb PDF)

Reporting Problems

Every year the Council responds to about 12,000 calls to fix leaks and other problems with water, sewer and stormwater systems. If you come across a problem, report it to the Council with specific details of the leak's location.

Report a Leak - Repair Request Form

Related Links

• Bathing Water Quality - Greater Wellington Regional Council website
• Water New Zealand website

Department Details:
Capacity (Wellington Water Management Ltd)