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  6. Wastewater capacity

Wastewater capacity

Wastewater overflows can occur when unauthorised stormwater and groundwater seepage from broken pipes (inflow and infiltration) enters the wastewater system.

Due to high inflow and infiltration in some areas, the capacity of the wastewater system has been reached with no extra capacity available to accommodate growth.

We have identified areas in the network with no spare capacity and which require effective management to avoid wastewater overflows. These areas have been grouped into wastewater capacity constraint areas, limited sewer discharge areas, and vacuum sewer areas.

Check your property

Search your property on our interactive wastewater network map(external link) to see if you are in an area with wastewater capacity issues.

You can also email the Wastewater capacity mailbox if you have further questions.

Wastewater capacity constraint areas

These areas are serviced by gravity wastewater pipes which have reached their capacity and where the risk of wastewater overflows is high.

Limited sewer discharge areas

These industrial zoned areas are on the fringe of the wastewater network and have a daily average sewage flow limit aligned to the property size.

Vacuum sewer areas

Parts of Shirley, Aranui and all of Prestons are serviced by vacuum sewer systems which either have limited or no spare capacity.

Wastewater network map

Detailed information and data for the Council wastewater network assets with special focus on wastewater constraints.