Western Springs Aquifer protection and Stormwater
Liz June 21st, 2017
Meola Creek and Albert Eden Local Board area are underlain by the largest aquifer under Auckland Council’s protection. It is so large it has at least 3 different names “Three Kings-Meola-Western Springs”.
STEPS has submitted to Albert Eden, Waitemata and Puketepapa Local Boards asking them to adopt a joint strategy to protecting the aquifer and restoring the creeks and wetlands associated with it.
STEPS has also pointed out the need for stormwater infrastructure in Albert Eden area. While Meola is the largest catchment on the isthmus, it has the least stormwater infrastructure. The Central interceptor will provide sewerage/ wastewater pipes. It is essential that it is supplemented by stormwater pipes to treat heavy metals and runoff from our roads. The Unitary plan intends to add 2 sq kilometers more of impervious hard surfaces -adding millions of cubic meters of stormwater each year. Despite this, Long Term Plan and Stormwater Asset Management Plans specify zero expenditure in Meola catchment. We are working with a Stormwater/ Wastewater coalition to bring these facts to the attention of our Mayor and Councillors. Without stormwater infrastructure, any housing & intensifications plans will fail to meet people’s needs. See STEPS Submission
We note that in 2017 Minister Nick Smith accepted an application for a Water Conservation Order (WCO) for the coldwater springs in Golden Bay — and for the Arthur Marble aquifer that feeds them. We applaud recognition of such a valuable taonga.
Meola-Western Springs Aquifer along with Mt Wellington and Onehunga Aquifers hold 55% of the underground water in Auckland. These three aquifers on the Auckland isthmus have approximately 6% of the water availability of Pupu Springs.
ACTION REQUESTS : – please make sure your Local Board and Councillors know how important clean water is to Auckland.
Join STEPS and come along to our cleanup days – second Saturday of every month. Watch this site for location.
