Auckland City’s wastewater system takes away the water we use. That’s more than 92 million litres of wastewater every day from our sinks, toilets, showers, washing machines and dishwashers along with the waste from industries and businesses.

However, fats, debris, tree roots and other materials can block the wastewater network and prevent the sewerage system from working properly. Blockages can cause a 'Dry Weather Overflow' (DWO), which can result in polluted water to overflow from the system and into the environment.

One of Metrowater’s core operational targets is to reduce the number of dry weather overflows from occurring – and where they do, respond and fix the problem quickly.

We are also helping our customers understand what they can do to help prevent these incidents and any impact on the community

You can do your bit by:

Planting trees away from sewer lines
Invasive tree roots can cause sewer blockages and eventually cause an environmental incident. Through thoughtful planning you minimise the risk of sewer invasion by tree roots. For more information, please see our section on Tree Planting

Dispose of fats oils and grease responsibly
Let fats cool and put them in the rubbish bin, not down the drains or in garbage disposals. Hot fats from cooking soon cool and turn solid when they enter the sewerage network. Just like fats clog our arteries, they also block the City's pipes both with damaging effects. For more detailed information, please see our section on Fat and Grease

Don't use your toilet as a rubbish bin
Nappies, personal hygiene products and rags don't belong in the toilet. Use a rubbish bin

Dispose of household hazardous wastes responsibly
Paint, pesticides, cleaning fluids, solvents and used automobile oil do not belong in the wastewater pipes. Please dispose of these wastes responsibly by using the Hazmobile, which collects household hazardous waste for appropriate disposal. This service is provided free of charge by the ARC. To find out more, contact the ARC on (09) 366 2000 or visit their website www.arc.govt.nz.

If you are unsure about what substances can safely be disposed of through the wastewater system, or would like information about where the wastewater pipes on your property are located, please contact us on (09) 624 4884 or email info@metrowater.co.nz.