As if navigating our way out of a global pandemic wasn’t enough to contend with, Auckland is also experiencing the worst drought in its history.
Following an extremely dry summer, the levels of water stored in our reservoirs fell below 50 per cent for the first time in 25 years. As a consequence, Aucklanders were asked to reduce their water usage where they could.
Despite our best efforts to conserve water, and the relief of some much-needed rain, reservoir levels have remained between 45 and 55 per cent — a significant difference from the historic average of 70 to 80 per cent for this time of year. In a further effort to restore our water supply levels, council voted to put mandatory restrictions in place from May 16, which prohibit the use of outdoor hoses and water blasters as well as limiting commercial use to non-potable water.
These restrictions are enforced by Watercare, the organisation which is responsible for both providing the water that 1.4 million Aucklanders use, and managing what happens with it after we’ve used it. They are what’s known as a council-controlled organisation (CCO) in that that they are entirely owned by council, but we don’t fund them or receive dividends from them. Legislation dictates that we also do not set the salary of their CEO either, that is done by the Watercare board. Watercare’s income comes from fees and charges they set, and all the money they receive goes into maintenance and expansion of their network of pipes and other infrastructure, such as pump stations and treatment plants — see the chart here on how Watercare funds projects.
Many of you will be asking how we found ourselves in this water crisis? I too have asked the same thing, in fact, I have been quoted in the media asking this directly to the board of Watercare. I feel it is important that I voice my disappointment with what feels like a lack of strategic planning from Watercare.
At the time of writing, I remain unclear as to the full impact of Watercare’s borrowing needs on our Emergency Budget. I find this unacceptable and will continue to advocate for more accountability from this organisation.
While across the years Watercare has remained dedicated to low water rates, I am not convinced they have fully considered the financial impact on council’s budget when faced with a situation like a one-in-200-years (or 300) drought. And while we will do all we can to respond appropriately to this crisis, investing in necessary infrastructure, we must scrutinise the steps that have led us here.
We currently take 150 million litres of water per day from the Waikato River – the maximum amount currently permitted. Back in 2013, we applied to Waikato Regional Council to take more, but unfortunately, we’ve been stuck behind 106 pre-existing applications (the WRC is bound by the Resource Management Act to review applications in the order received).
Council also requested Watercare’s Waikato River ‘water take consent’ be included as project number 12 on the government's Covid-19 Recovery Bill. Instead, the government announced a slightly longer process, sending our application to a board of inquiry for consideration. This still means we will be able to take more than the current amount, which will provide us serious relief.
In the meantime, we expect Watercare to explore every solution to increase Auckland’s supply and better conserve water to avoid us facing a severe water shortage next summer. A number of projects have been identified to assist, including a plant in Waikato with an additional 25 million litres to be completed in August, an Onehunga plant with an extra 4 million litres per day ready in September, as well as a further 11 million litres per day from two existing bores by December 2020. Further options for consideration include de-salination of saltwater and treating wastewater.
To provide you with some balance, I do wish to acknowledge Watercare’s work in other areas, particularly progress on the central interceptor. The Ōkahu Bay separation project is another good example of the work Watercare and council conduct together to help improve the quality of our water/waterways. The $15.5 million venture due for completion at the end of 2021 is a collaboration between Auckland Council, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, and Watercare which will greatly improve the quality of water discharging into the bay, which is currently very poor.
While I remain committed, as do my colleagues, to strong and robust relationships with our council-controlled organisations, I also remain committed to keeping them honest and ensuring they deliver for you, our communities. As we focus on responding to the immediate needs of Auckland and its water needs, I will ensure I continue to ask the right questions on your behalf.