Our Stormwater Network

We operate and manage four stormwater systems in Ōtāne, Takapau, Waipawa and Waipukurau. These systems are designed to take stormwater away from built-up urban areas and disperse it to waterways (streams, rivers and the ocean) to minimise the effect of flooding on property and the risk to the community.

Our stormwater systems include underground pipes, open drains, overland flow paths, pump stations and stormwater ponds. Stormwater networks in Pōrangahau, Ongaonga, Te Paerahi, Tikokino and other coastal settlements form part of the roading network and drainage systems.

We also maintain a number of open drains into the town areas of Waipukurau and Waipawa. These are maintained as part of Council’s water services operations. For all open drains located on private properties, we expect the landowner to maintain these and keep them clear of debris and potential blockages.

Alongside our urban stormwater drainage system, the Hawke's Bay Regional Council is responsible for managing rivers and rural drainage schemes to ensure our communities are protected from flooding.

We ensure that levels of maintenance and the treatment standards of stormwater meet our consent requirements and communities' expectations, and plan further improvements to our existing and/or new stormwater discharges.

Stormwater discharges impacting on the natural environment

Stormwater discharges can contain a wide range of contaminates. The is relative to the environment the stormwater comes from, and the behaviours and acts of those who dispose of chemicals or other contaminates via the stormwater network.

We regularly monitor many stormwater discharges and emphasise the importance of stormwater as well as look for ways to reduce the impact of stormwater on the receiving environments.

New Connections

New connections to our stormwater systems must be installed by a Council-approved contractor and are at the expense of the customer. An application for must be submitted and approved by Council before any action by an approved contractor.

Apply for a new stormwater connection by completing and submitting this form.