Stormwater is the water that runs off surfaces such as roads, driveways, footpaths and rooftops. It travels down gutters, into sumps and enters the stormwater network.
Whakatāne District Council manages five stormwater networks in Whakatāne town, Ōhope, Edgecumbe, Matatā and Tāneatua.
Stormwater is disposed of through this system, reducing surface flooding in times of heavy rain. Stormwater discharges into natural waterways are possible under certain conditions imposed by Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Water and Land Plan.
The plan has several rules that permit the discharge of stormwater to both waterways (Rule 30) and to land soakage (Rule 30B) under certain conditions. For more information on the rules, check the Regional Water and Land Plan.
Facts about the stormwater network:
- 66,729 metres of pipes
- 1,322 manholes
- 22,371 metres of open channel
- 14 pump stations
- 16 storage/retention ponds
- 160 cesspits
- 5 soak pits
Keeping it Clean
Stormwater is discharged - untreated - into Whakatāne District’s beaches and streams. That's why it's important to keep it as clean as possible.
Residents and businesses must also do their part to keep the stormwater network healthy. Under the Resource Management Act, it's illegal to allow anything other than rainwater to enter the stormwater system.
To report a pollution incident, please call Bay of Plenty Regional Council Pollution Hotline: 0800 468 268
Reporting Problems
Every year, we respond to over 1000 calls to fix leaks and other problems with water, sewer and stormwater systems. If you come across a problem, please report it through our Fix-It Form or call us on 07 306 0500 with specific details of the leak's location.
