Other Useful Information

Public vs Private Drainage

The Council public drainage networks collects stormwater from each property, as well as stormwater that runs off roads and footpaths. This public drainage network is owned and maintained by Council.

When rain falls onto lawns, gardens, roofs, driveways and other hard standing areas within a private property, it is collected and drained through private drainage systems. This drainage system is owned by the property owner, and they are responsible for maintenance and upkeep.

Any stormwater problems within a property boundary and to the point of discharge, are the responsibility of the property owner.

Manage a Stream

Plant natives

Plants can be attractive and help to increase native biodiversity and improve water quality. Native plants allow water to seep into the soils, decreasing the volume of surface water runoff and reducing the flood risk and pollutant discharge into natural drains.

Native plants can make a big difference to the stability of stream banks, as their roots hold the soil together. Planting the right variety of native plants around a stream also creates shade and enhances the stream habitat.

Planting of the drainage network is encouraged by the Council, but this needs to be approved. Some guidelines can be accessed elsewhere:

Keep it healthy and keep it safe

Here are some tips for keeping a stream healthy and safe:

• Slow down stream flow to prevent erosion by using well-sited rocks or logs
• Use wire fences to keep kids safe, whilst letting water runoff through
• Provide shaded areas, as cooler streams can support more natural eco-life
• Keep the stream free from garden waste and any fallen trees (blockages)
• Avoid overusing chemicals like fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and insecticides near natural streams
• Ensure fences are an appropriate distance away from a natural drain
• Provide designed access for people and/or machinery
• Keep access way free of trees, hedges and other obstacles
• A bridge, rather than culvert, allows for more natural water flow
• Do not put buildings in known or identified floodplains

Other resources and reading materials

• Flood protection & Drainage bylaw (ECan)
• Drain maintenance (ECan)
• Caring for urban streams (Auckland City Council)
• www.ecan.govt.nz
• www.ngaitahu.iwi.nz
• You can apply for funding assistance through the Environment Canterbury Biodiversity Fund for projects to enhance natural waterways.
• https://ccc.govt.nz/environment/water/water-policy...