Water

What we are planning for Auckland's water in the Annual Plan 2026/2027.

Illustration of flood warning signs, a glass of drinking water, a dam, a yacht, large water pipes and infrastructure, flowing wastewater and a worker repairing a pipe.

Watercare is responsible for water supply and wastewater treatment in Auckland, while Auckland Council is responsible for stormwater.

In the 2026/2027 financial year, we plan to:

  • continue work funded by the Water Quality Targeted Rate programme. This includes works to separate stormwater from wastewater networks under the Lower Khyber Pass in Newmarket to improve water quality in the area
  • renew and upgrade assets like the East Tāmaki Dam and Paremuka dam culverts which help reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rain
  • continue work on the Making Space for Water programme. This will help Aucklanders prepare for floods and reduce:
    • the risk of floods
    • damage from flooding
  • complete a new wastewater pump station, a 4.6km wastewater pipeline and a new watermain in Waiwera to meet the needs of the growing population
  • bring the second (northern half) of the 16.2km Central Interceptor wastewater tunnel into service to:
    • upgrade pipes to carry more water
    • reduce the overflow of stormwater into waterways like rivers, streams and drains
  • continue the $500m programme to replace ageing water pipes, wastewater pipes and infrastructure at water and wastewater treatment plants across Auckland.

How much we plan to spend on water in 2026/2027

Type of spend Amount

Operational spend:
for day-to-day running costs, like staff, maintenance and services.

$829 million

Capital spend:
for major upgrades or to build or buy long-term assets, like stormwater pipes.

$1,551 million

Have your say

We want to know what you think about our proposals for this annual plan.

Visit Annual plan documents, videos and translations for more information about our plans and proposals in the:

  • Annual Plan 2026/2027 Consultation Document
  • Annual Plan 2026/2027 Supporting Information Document.
Have your say now

You should know

The information on this page is an edited version of the Annual Plan 2026/2027 Consultation Document.

Orange circle with an illustration of three different-coloured drops of water.