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WATER
A HOUSEHOLD GUIDE
TO IMPROVING WATER QUALITY
AND MANAGING WATER USE IN HAMILTON
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We tend to take water for granted, expecting clean
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drinking water when we turn on a tap and safe
water for our recreational activities. But how many
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of us understand the realities of managing our water
use, or understand how the impacts of our everyday
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activities affect water supply and quality?
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The purpose of this booklet is to improve
community knowledge of the water cycle and how
Our Watery World .................................................
The Natural Water Cycle ........................................
Good Clean Water? ...............................................
RIVER TO THE TAP
management in Hamilton city. It is written with
(Hamilton’s Water Supply) ......................................
Why We Need To Conserve Water ........................
Drinking Water .......................................................
How Much Water Do We Use? ..............................
Where Does All the Water Go? ..............................
WHAT CAN YOU DO? ..........................................
Conserving Water at Home ....................................
Take the Water Wise Test: Water Conservation .....
New Zealand. A Valuable Body of Water ...............
the activities of a household, may in turn impact
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upon the region’s water resources.
This booklet will help you identify important
contributions that you can make to ensuring our
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water resources are looked after as they need to be.
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The Importance of Water in Hamilton .................... 5
The Importance of Water to Maori ........................ 5
Hamilton’s Water Cycle .......................................... 6
The Water Cycle in Hamilton ................................. 8
The Waikato River Catchment ............................... 10
How Clean Is the Waikato River ............................. 11
this cycle interconnects with water and wastewater
direct relevance to our daily lives and explains how
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CONTENTS
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The Treatment Process ........................................... 18
Maori Beliefs in Wastewater Disposal ..................... 19
WHAT CAN YOU DO? .......................................... 19
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WASTEWATER TREATMENT ...........
Stormy Waters - The Issues with Stormwater .........
How Does Stormwater Become Polluted? ..............
On the Street .........................................................
On the Footpath ....................................................
Around the Home ..................................................
In the Garden ........................................................
Stemming Stormwater From the Start ....................
Hey, We Live Down Here! .....................................
WHAT CAN YOU DO? ..........................................
Saving the Stormwater Drain for Rain ....................
Take the Water Wise Test: Stormwater ...................
Waikato Water Story .............................................
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Water is the most common substance on Earth!
Over two thirds of the surface of the planet is
covered by water.
Surely there should be plenty of water for
everyone!
Actually, only a tiny percentage of this seemingly
abundant water is usable;
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99% of the world’s water is either
seawater or ice
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much of the 0.6% that's left is too deep
underground to extract or too polluted
for drinking.
Unpolluted fresh water is becoming more and more
scarce. Since all living things depend on water to
survive, the little water that we do have is very
precious.
We can’t make water, so we must recycle what
we have.
THE NATURAL WATER CYCLE
Did you realise that the same water that existed on
earth millions of years ago is still being recycled around
the planet today? The water you cleaned your teeth
with this morning could contain a water molecule that
was drunk by a dinosaur millions of years ago.
The process of recycling water happens through the
natural water cycle. Water moves around in the water
cycle as part of an interconnected system, from rain to
streams and rivers, groundwater, the sea, clouds, and
back to rain again.
Water evaporates from the surface of the earth and
water bodies. Water condenses in the atmosphere
forming clouds. Eventually these clouds become
saturated and the water falls as rain, hail or snow back
to earth’s surface in a process known as precipitation.
Most of this water flows into and over the ground,
moving through the soil and recharging groundwater
or replenishing rivers and lakes. Eventually this water
will flow to the ocean where it will begin the water
cycle again.
When water is evaporated, it is also purified. Imagine
a puddle of dirty water with oil, chemicals and other
pollutants dissolved in it. On a hot day this puddle will
disappear leaving behind a dirty residue on the ground.
The water has evaporated to the atmosphere as pure
water vapour leaving behind most of the pollutants
that were present in the puddle. This is how water is
cleansed and cycled around the earth.
However, this doesn’t mean that we have an endless
supply of good clean water.
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STORMWATER IN HAMILTON ....
WATERY WORLD
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THE IMPORTANCE OF
WATER IN HAMILTON
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Although not on the coast, Hamilton has a number of
important water resources. The Waikato River flows
through the middle of the city, joined by a number of
streams that flow out of Hamilton’s vast network of
gullies. There are also a number of shallow peat lakes
and a small wetland within the city boundaries.
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Hamilton’s water resources are important for many
reasons:
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They provide habitats (places to live and grow) for
plants and animals.
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They are a place to swim, fish, boat or just to relax in
and enjoy their visual beauty.
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They are highly treasured by Maori and have
important cultural and spiritual significance.
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The gully streams provide many services including
channeling water from urban and rural areas into
the river.
GOOD
CLEAN
WATER?
Water can become contaminated at various stages of
the water cycle. As droplets of water pass through
the atmosphere they pick up very small air-borne
particles, such as fumes from cars and industries and
carry them to the earth's surface. On land, water picks
up pollutants as it passes through the landscape, over
and through soil, polluting groundwater, river and
lakes. Contaminants include animal urine and faeces,
agricultural chemicals and fertilisers, run off from roads
or stormwater, and wastewater discharges from towns
and cities. Many of these substances can make water
unsuitable for drinking, unsuitable for recreational use
and unhealthy for plants and animals.
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NO WATER TO WASTE
Unfortunately, people and the way they use water
have had a huge impact on water quality and
availability. You may not realise it, but we all affect
water quality in some way almost every day. Water
is essential to our survival, so we must treat it as the
precious resource that it is by being aware of our
own impacts and by following good practices in and
around our homes.
The Waikato River is also important because it:
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Provides the water we use in our homes, schools,
offices, businesses, industry and agriculture.
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Receives treated wastewater from the city.
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Is used to generate the electricity that powers our
lives from the nine hydro power stations (dams) built
along the river.
For Hamiltonians the health and well-being of the
Waikato River is essential to the quality of our lives.
In 2000, Hamilton residents were surveyed to find out
what they thought was the most important environmental
issue facing the city. The survey showed that people were
most concerned about water quality and water pollution.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER TO
MAORI
Maori have strong cultural, traditional and historic links
with wetlands and inland waterways, including lakes,
rivers, streams and springs. These taonga (treasures) are
spiritually significant and closely linked to the identities
of the tangata whenua (people of the land).
of the water would ensure longevity of the Mauri and
resource of that particular area.
There are many customary practices involving water,
associated with good health and religious practices.
Rahui (prohibition) were often imposed to prohibit entry
(for example following a death by drowning) or to safe
guard a key area of water, such as a customary fishing
area preserved for seasonal use.
1. It is considered unhygienic to wash tea towels, hats,
pillowslips or tablecloths in the same washing water
as underwear and nappies.
Rahui were often put in place to maintain the Mauri
(life force) of a location. Particularly in sites where
there was an abundance of fresh water and Kai (food).
Such areas were placed under Rahui, sustaining their
Mauri and thereby protecting and managing a resource
which was necessary for the sustenance and survival
of the tribe. Streams and waterways in these locations
were closely watched to ensure that no effluents were
discharged into the area, so that the protective deities
3. Urinating in streams is forbidden.
Ancient Maori observed a number of other customs,
some of which are still observed today.
2. Dishwashing water is not discharged into streams
where eels, watercress or the other traditional foods
are gathered.
4. The water from fresh water springs used for sacred
rituals must not be used for domestic purposes.
5. Bowls used for food preparation were never used for
washing ones body.
6. Swimming in, or gathering food from streams
or other parts of the river where tribal Taniwha
(spiritual beings) lived was prohibited.
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WATER CYCLE
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HAMILTON’S
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THE WATER CYCLE IN
HAMILTON
Water is an important part of our daily activities. In our homes we use water for drinking, cooking, cleaning,
flushing the toilet, watering the garden and washing (ourselves, our clothes, our cars and our houses). Water
is used for fire fighting, irrigating pastures and crops, sustaining livestock, and in industrial and manufacturing
processes. We use water in vast amounts every day!
But how many of us, when we turn on a tap, think about the long journey that water has made to get to us, and
the journey it will make as it vanishes down the plughole. Do we know enough about the part we play in this
journey, and understand the effects of our daily activities on the water in our environment?
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This section of the booklet looks at Hamilton’s water cycle and will help to answer the following questions.
Where does water come from and how does it get to my tap?
What happens to it when it disappears down the plughole?
How does my use of water affect our rivers and lakes?
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To help you visualise some of the complex networks and paths that water travels in the city, the diagram on the
previous page shows the key features in Hamilton’s water cycle. The diagram shows Hamilton city’s water cycle
as a small part of the much larger natural water cycle. It includes, interwoven into the natural cycle, a network of
water pipes and drainage systems. These systems have been built so that people can divert water from the natural
water cycle for our own use, before returning it to the cycle. Can you track these systems?
many ways before it
disappears down the
plughole or is flushed
down the toilet into a
network of wastewater
pipes. These pipes take
our wastewater to the
Wastewater Treatment
Plant where it undergoes
a complex series of
treatment processes
before the treated
effluent is discharged
back into the Waikato
River. See page 18 to
find out more.
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B. We use this water in
A. The water cycle in
C. The stormwater
network is the other
part of Hamilton’s
water cycle. When
it rains, water runs
off the city’s roads,
car parks, driveways,
rooftops and paths
and into gutters and
stormwater catchpits.
This water then travels
through a network of
stormwater drains and
into the nearest natural
waterway. See page 20
to find out more.
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Hamilton begins
at the Waikato
River where water
is taken by the
Water Treatment
Station, treated
so that it is safe
to drink, and then
piped to the city’s
homes, businesses
and factories. See
page 12 to find out
more.
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It's easy to see how important the Waikato River is to
Hamilton, and for supplying the city with water.
But where does the water in the Waikato River come
from, and what has happened to it in its journey before
reaching Hamilton?
The Waikato River is New Zealand’s longest river
extending 425km from Lake Taupo to its final
destination at Port Waikato on the west coast.
As it winds through the landscape, the Waikato River
collects the water that drains off farms and forests,
from the towns and cities that it passes through and
alongside, and from streams and other rivers that empty
into it. The land area draining into the Waikato River
is known as the river catchment, and covers a huge
14,260km2.
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CATCHMENT
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THE WAIKATO RIVER
How our river gets polluted
Water draining from this catchment into the river brings
with it sediment, chemicals, heavy metals, nutrients, oil,
detergents, farm effluent and wastewater. Some of these
pollutants settle in the river sediment. Other pollutants
accumulate and impact on the water quality of the
Waikato River. Some of the discharges into the river
come from an identifiable point such as a pipe. These
point source discharges are from places like wastewater
treatment plants and factories. Fortunately they can be
monitored and traced so that pollution of the river can
be prevented.
Unfortunately, there are many discharges from
non-point sources, such as ground water, where
the source of the pollution is unknown. These
discharges pose a bigger problem than point source
discharges, as it is harder to stop this form of pollution
happening. Non-point source discharges are the biggest
form of pollution of the Waikato River and include
surface runoff and groundwater flow from farmland.
Stormwater runoff from streets and urban areas can
also be classed as non-point source discharges as it
is difficult to determine where the pollutants in the
stormwater actually originated.
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HOW
CLEAN IS THE WAIKATO RIVER?
Despite being the most intensively used river in the
country, the Waikato River's water quality is considered
to be good compared to other rivers around the world.
However there are times when water quality in some
parts of the river is substandard. This poor water quality
may be a result of discharges into the river, weather
conditions such as heavy rainfall, or from negative
impacts of land use activities such as farming and
horticulture within the Waikato River catchment.
Stormwater
Runoff from cities and towns is probably the second
most significant non-point source of contaminants to
the Waikato River. Although some mechanisms such as
grease traps exist to prevent some of the contaminants
in stormwater from entering the river, stormwater
does have an impact on river water quality. Sometimes
stormwater can get into the wastewater system, usually
through illegal connections.
Rural land use
Farming is probably the main non-point source of
contaminants to the Waikato River. Fertiliser and
the urine from farm animals on pasture leaches into
groundwater and eventually flows into the river.
This water is high in nutrients, which accelerates the
growth of nuisance aquatic plants, out-competing
native plant species and choking waterways, especially
during summer.
Urban and industrial wastewater
Point source discharges from industry are comparatively
minor, and the source of this pollution is usually
identifiable. In addition, wastewater treatment has
improved considerably over the last two decades.
Discharges of treated wastewater from wastewater
treatment plants along the river are monitored to ensure
that the treated effluent has minimal impact on the river
water quality.
Water clarity
Sediment flowing into the river from streams and
tributaries also reduces water clarity. Water clarity
declines remarkably the further down the Waikato River
you go. In Lake Taupo you can see underwater for over
10 metres, while in Hamilton this under water visibility
reduces to only 1-2 metres. At Mercer you can hardly
see your feet when standing in the water!
Geothermal influence
Arsenic is a pollutant present in the Waikato River that
comes from geothermal activity in the upper reaches of
the river. Hamilton's Water Treatment Station treats for
arsenic, leaving the water safe to drink.
Hydro lakes and algal growth
The hydro power stations along the upper Waikato
River also affect water clarity. Before these dams
were built, it took six days for a drop of water to reach
the sea from Lake Taupo. Now it takes a month! The
increased time that water is held in dams allows
the growth of algal cells, especially during hot and
sunny weather. These algae make the water look
green and murky.
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Hamilton’s Water Treatment Station takes water from
the Waikato River. The Water Treatment Station is
located on the banks of the Waikato River opposite
the Hamilton Gardens, and can produce up to 90
million litres of high quality drinking water everyday.
That’s a lot of water!
However, the amount of water we take from the
Waikato River is very small, less than 1% of the river
flow, even on record demand days.
There are a number of stages in the process of getting
water from the Waikato River to our taps.
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First the water that is taken from the river is
screened to prevent fish, birds, branches and leaves
from getting into the system.
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A chemical coagulant and polyelectrolyte are
added, and the water is then pumped into
sedimentation tanks where it undergoes a process
of settling out sediment and other small particles.
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The water then passes through fine sand filters
which further polish the water and remove any
small particles not removed in the earlier settling
process.
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From here the water is disinfected by the addition
of chlorine, which kills any bacteria or viruses that
are present.
The water is now safe for drinking (potable) and ready
for distribution around the city.
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RIVER TO THE TAP
WATER SUPPLY)
From the Water Treatment Station, treated water
enters the 'bulk main' pipe network. This network
transports water to the 'distribution' network and
eight reservoirs situated around the city. These
reservoirs allow water to be stored for emergencies
and periods of high demand. From here water is piped
to our taps and to fire hydrants on our streets.
It is interesting to note, that only a very small
percentage of this high quality drinking water piped
to Hamilton’s homes and businesses is used for
drinking. Most of it is used for bathing, washing,
flushing toilets, watering gardens and in industrial
processes.
WHY WE NEED TO CONSERVE WATER
In spite of the size of the Waikato River, allowable
water supply is not infinite and demand for water
is increasing. Hamilton City Council is currently
permitted to take up to 95 million litres per day.
With increasing demand for water from other users
(Industry, power generation and agriculture), there is
a requirement that all water users, including Hamilton
City Council, demonstrate efficient use of the water
resource, especially in summer when Hamilton
householder's water requirements are greatest.
Water treatment costs are significant (energy,
chemicals, and plant wear) so reduced water use also
has potential cost savings at all stages of the water
treatment process.
To avoid future shortages we all need to use water
more efficiently!
Sedimantation tanks remove nearly all of of the sediment, organic and inorganic material from the Waikato River water that enters the plant.
DRINKING WATER
Hamilton City Council continuously monitors its treated water to ensure that it complies with NZ Drinking Water
Standards and achieves an 'A-a' grading from the Ministry of Health. Sometimes you may be able to detect a slight
taste or odour in your water, however this doesn’t mean that the water is unsafe to drink.
This taste or odour can be caused by a number of things but is generally related to home plumbing, changes in
the Waikato River or operations at the Water Treatment Station. There are a number of algae and cyanobacteria
(blue-green algae) that can cause taste and odour in Hamilton's drinking water, particularly during summer months.
These organisms naturally occur in our waterways, but can grow into blooms during warm weather in nutrient rich
water. Hamilton's Water Treatment Station is able to treat river water to a high quality drinking standard.
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WHAT CAN
Households use about 60% of Hamilton’s water. 34%
is used by businesses, industries, schools and hospitals.
Leakages in the distribution network account for 6%.
There are plenty of things that you can do
around your home to make a difference. You
can contribute to cleaner water, healthier
fish and wildlife populations, and a greatly
improved environment for your family and
community. Some things may seem like a very
small contribution, but collectively these actions
produce significant neighbourhood and regional
environmental benefits.
Everyday, each person in Hamilton uses on average
230 litres of water.
That’s about 1000 glasses of drinking water each.
These figures can go up to 700 litres per person on a
peak summer day when we are filling our swimming
pools and watering the garden.
Compare this to some countries in the world where
people use just 3 litres of water per day each!
You only need about 5 litres of drinking water
per day for cooking, drinking and food preparation.
In Hamilton we use an extra 225 litres per person
per day for toilets, showers, washing and watering
the garden.
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YOU DO?
HOW MUCH WATER DO WE USE?
Every time you turn on a tap, think about the long journey
that water takes before it reaches you. Be conscious of
how much water is disappearing down the plughole.
Is it necessary?
Have a go at some of these simple water saving tips
in your household.
INSIDE
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It may take a little thought and practice to get
used to doing them at first, but they will soon
become an everyday habit.
Check for leaks around the house (water pipes,
toilet cistern, taps). Add a few drops of food colouring to
the toilet cistern. If the colour appears in the toilet bowl
without flushing, you have a leak.
Check out the following sections in this booklet;
Conserving Water at Home (this page), Take the
Water Wise Water Conservation Test (page 16).
Convert your toilet to a dual flush system. Alternatively
fill a 1 or 2 litre milk bottle with water and place in your
toilet cistern. This will stop the cistern filling with as
much water for each flush.
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WHERE DOES ALL THE WATER GO?
CONSERVING WATER AT HOME
A top loading washing machine
uses 200 litres per load!
Laundry 15%
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Don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth.
Kitchen
5%
A dishwasher uses 20 litres
per load!
Don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth!
Install water saving showerheads or flow restrictors.
Rinse your dishes in a sink with the plug in rather than
under a running tap.
A full flush toilet uses
11 litres per flush and a
half flush toilet uses 6!
A garden hose or
sprinkler uses 15
litres of water per
minute!
Toilet 20%
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Take short showers instead of deep baths.
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Mulch plants to prevent evaporation and to reduce the
need to water.
Let grass grow longer in summer to help the soil retain
moisture.
Water the garden using water from the sink
or bath (grey water).
A full bath uses 90 litres
per tub! A 5 minute
shower with a water saving
shower head uses 50 litres.
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Garden 35%
OUTSIDE
A running tap uses
10 litres per minute!
Bathroom 25%
A dripping tap can waste
up to 90 litres per week!
Use a bucket to wash the car rather than leaving
the hose on.
Sweep the path with a broom not a hose.
Make sure outside taps are off when not in use.
Fix dripping taps or leaking pipes.
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Set up a rainwater collection system for watering
the garden.
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WISE TEST: WATER CONSERVATION
This test gives you an idea of how good your family
or household are at conserving water.
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INSTRUCTIONS:
Tick the box if the answer
is yes or if the question is not relevant to you, (for
example if you don’t have a lawn).
When we wash the car/vehicle we use a
commercial carwash with a water reclaim system,
or we wash it at home on the grass using buckets.
WHAT IS YOUR SCORE OUT OF 10?
If you got 9 or 10, fantastic! you’re really using your
water efficiently and avoiding waste. A score of 7 or 8?
Well done... there are a couple of things you can
do better. 5 or 6? You’re using more water than you
need to. Less than 5, read the instructions again, and
read the Water Booklet. If your score is low then
you’re probably using more than your fair share of
water (think about how you can save water and read
the text below!).
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TAKE THE WATER
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We always avoid running the tap with no plug in
the sink, and/or we have tap aerators on all of our
taps (aerators help to reduce water use by reducing
flow volumes).
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We have a low volume shower head (this saves up
to 40 litres of water for a 10 minute shower).
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We have a dual flush toilet using less than
8 litres for a full flush.
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We have no leaking taps or toilet cisterns etc.
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We do not have a watering system in the garden.
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When its too hot we go to the local pool or the
beach to cool off, rather than turning on the hose.
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We collect rain water to water the garden or
fill the swimming pool.
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We have a water efficient dish washer (with a
AAA or better water rating) and washing machine
(AAA or better rating such as Fuzzy Logic machine
or a front loader).
We never water the lawn, we mulch the garden to
cut down on watering and we water the garden in
the mornings or evenings to minimise evaporation.
Did you know that under the current Hamilton City
Council Water Supply Bylaw households shown to be
using excessive quantities of water may have a meter
installed at their cost and be charged for the volume
of water that is used? Currently Hamilton households
are charged a flat rate for water use based on property
value. This means that currently the average Hamilton
household is charged approximately $140 per year, or
$2.67 per week for their water supply. Business and
commercial water users are metered and charged for
the water that they use.
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An example of a well mulched garden
The above image was photographed in a controlled situation under strict supervision. Just as we need to protect our lakes and rivers, we also need to protect ourselves when we are in or around them.
New Zealand.
A valuable body
of water.
My body is two-thirds water, and just as
I rely on it to survive, so too does my country.
For three generations my family has farmed, hunted and fished this land. As
kids my brothers and I spent hours swimming, fishing and eeling in this creek.
It was famous for its trout and salmon, but over time it became discoloured
and overgrown. I knew that for my boys to have what I had, I needed to do
something about it. My dad cleared out the old willows and blackberries, and I
fenced off my stock and planted the banks with natives. That was seven years
ago, and the creek is in better shape than ever. I’ve taught my boys to swim
and fish in here but, best of all, I’ve taught them to look after water.
Visit www.4million.org.nz to learn how you can do the same.
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Andy Palmer – Temuka
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So, where does all of this water go after we’ve used it
and it disappears down the plughole?
When we flush our toilets, drain our baths, showers,
sinks and washing machines, the wastewater is carried
through a network of pipes and ends up at the
Hamilton City Council Wastewater Treatment Plant
in Pukete Road.
THE TREATMENT PROCESS
The first stage of treatment (primary) starts when
wastewater enters the head of the Treatment Plant.
Large objects like rags, food scraps and twigs and small
heavy particles like sand and gravel are removed. All of
this waste is taken to landfill.
The wastewater then flows to large primary
sedimentation tanks. Here heavy solids, scum and
grease are separated from the wastewater and pumped
into large heated tanks called digesters. The naturally
occurring bacteria in this sludge help to break down
some of the solids. This digested ‘sludge’ becomes
less smelly and many disease causing organisms are
destroyed. The sludge is then dewatered and landfilled.
The methane produced in the digestion process is used
to generate energy to power the Treatment Plant.
The remaining wastewater (primary effluent) flows to
aeration tanks for secondary treatment. This process
removes most of the nutrient nitrogen found in
wastewater.
Excess nitrogen in the river can stimulate the growth
of nuisance plants and algae, which leads to reduced
water quality. The Wastewater Treatment Plant
removes most of the nitrogen from effluent, reducing
the amount of nitrogen entering the river.
The activated sludge is then settled out in large openair tanks called clarifiers and is returned to the aeration
tanks to repopulate them with bacteria. The clear
‘secondary effluent’ flows on for tertiary treatment. The
tertiary treatment stage is the final step in the cleansing
of Hamilton City’s wastewater. The effluent is exposed
to high doses of ultraviolet radiation to disinfect the
water and to stop the spread of diseases. The final
effluent, a clear liquid low in solids and bacteria, is
discharged back into the Waikato River.
Environment Waikato monitors the effluent to ensure
that it does not impact upon the water quality of the
Waikato River.
MAORI BELIEFS IN WASTEWATER
DISPOSAL
As a general rule, wastewater was never thrown in
water where people ate, drank and swam, and in
pre-European times was usually disposed of in an area
of a Pa away from food preparation and habitation.
Ancient Maori were never confronted with the issues
that surround 'wastewater' today. Wastewater and
stormwater from urban areas were unheard of prior to
the arrival of Europeans in the Waikato. Maori therefore
did not have customs associated with these issues.
WHAT CAN
However, modern Maori have had to address and
interpret these issues based on traditions and culture.
This has resulted in an approach that wastewater
disposal directly onto land is the preferred option. This is
based on the belief in the power of Papatuanuku (mother
earth) to cleanse these waters and to use the nutrients in
the effluent to increase the fertility of the land.
In principle, wastewater must not enter traditional
streams, lakes or rivers, which are food gathering areas
or which mark tribal boundaries as this would diminish
the Mauri (life force) of these water bodies.
YOU DO?
Help keep the cost of wastewater treatment down and minimise the effects of wastewater disposal on our environment.
Try some of these simple things around the house.
SIMPLE THINGS ✓
Don’t use the toilet as a rubbish bin. All the solids
that go into the toilet have to come out again at the
Wastewater Treatment Plant. Keep a small waste bin in
the bathroom for sanitary and cotton buds, etc.
Never tip paints, engine oil, unwanted drugs or
antibiotics down sinks or toilets as they can kill the
naturally occurring bacteria that the Treatment Plant
uses to clean wastewater.
Make sure your downpipes from your roof and other
outside drains are connected to the stormwater system,
not the wastewater network. In heavy rain, stormwater
that gets into your gully trap (wastewater drain) can
flood the sewers and cause untreated sewage to flow
onto properties and into waterways.
Avoid excessive use of detergents and cleaning products.
Return medicines to your chemist, take engine oil to
the Refuse Transfer Station Recycling Shop, and let
paint harden and dispose of it in your rubbish.
When purchasing appliances, ask the sales staff how
much water the appliance uses. A water efficient
appliance is cheaper to run and puts less load on the
wastewater system.
Composting is the best option for your food scraps,
however in-sink waste disposal is better than putting green
waste in the rubbish, as this will help generate electricity
from methane at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Set up a greywater recycling system. Grey water is
water from the washing machine, bath, shower and
sinks, doesn't contain human waste and can be used
for watering the garden.
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Once the wastewater gets to the Watewater Treatment
Plant, everything that we’ve disposed of into the
system has to be taken out. This involves a complex
and costly three stage treatment process resulting
in treated water clean enough to go back into the
Waikato River.
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Because this water is now contaminated, it is called
wastewater or sewage. Hamilton and its residents
produce an average of 45 million litres of wastewater
every day. Wastewater is actually 99.9% water and
contains less than 0.1% waste solids. These solids
include dissolved detergents and chemicals, food scraps,
dirt, oil and grease, human waste, sand and other small
pieces of rubbish. It also includes bacteria and viruses
that can make people ill.
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WASTEWATER TR EATMENT
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Prior to the settling of Hamilton, stormwater was not
an issue. The native bush and scrub that covered the
land intercepted rainwater, and slowed it so that it
soaked into the ground rather than flowing across
the surface. The water was filtered as it seeped into
the soil and recharged groundwater reserves before
emerging as springs in the banks of the Waikato River
or into Hamilton’s lakes, streams and wetlands.
Once houses, roads and footpaths started to be built,
people discovered that these impermeable surfaces
caused rainwater to collect in puddles, and made
sections and roads muddy. Drains were dug to
prevent flooding. Stormwater no longer soaked into
the soil but was directed away into fast moving
stormwater channels. Hamilton’s stormwater system
now copes with the large volumes of water that flow
off the city’s paved surfaces and rooftops, even in
heavy rainstorms.
Have you ever noticed how everything looks
cleaner after it rains?
When it rains, water from our roofs, driveways,
footpaths and roads, flows over these hard urban
surfaces and into gutters and catchpits on the edge of
streets. This rainwater picks up oil, litter, animal waste,
chemicals, sediment and other pollutants. Some of
these pollutants are trapped by the grates in catchpits,
or settle out in the catchpit sump and are removed
by street cleaners. The remaining ‘stormwater’ travels
through a network of drains and into the nearest
natural waterway. In Hamilton this is either the
Waikato River, or one of Hamilton’s lakes or streams.
Some of the pollution that does enter a waterway,
such as litter is easy to see, but pollutants that dissolve
in the water like some chemicals, animal waste, and
heavy metals aren’t so visible. This pollution can
lead to algae blooms, can make the river unsafe for
swimming and unhealthy for plants and animals.
Many of these pollutants don’t readily break down,
and can accumulate in the sediment in waterways,
and cause environmental problems.
Who is responsible?
Hamilton City Council is responsible for public stormwater systems and managing
these systems so that we don’t have flooding, but everyone is responsible for
stormwater on their own properties, and each one of us can help reduce the
effects of stormwater on our rivers and lakes.
‘STORMY WATERS’ –
THE ISSUES WITH STORMWATER
Historically, cities have solved stormwater problems by
channelling water from paved surfaces away as quickly
as possible and into the nearest natural waterway.
This helps prevent the hazards and health issues of
urban flooding on roads and properties.
Rain washes rubbish off our streets and into stormwater drains. Some of this pollution will end up in the river.
However, getting water away quickly brings with it
another set of issues.
1. Fast moving stormwater can erode stream banks
and the areas around stormwater outlet pipes, as
well as washing sediment from properties and new
subdivisions into waterways. Sediment can smother
streambeds, cloud water and block light for plants
and animals.
2. Stormwater that flows over paved surfaces at
high speed also washes pollutants along with it.
It is difficult to prevent some of these pollutants
getting into waterways once they have entered the
stormwater network.
Can we fix the stormwater problem?
Increasing the amount of water that soaks into the soil
replenishes precious groundwater reserves, and helps
sustain adequate water levels in streams during dry
spells. It also filters out many of the pollutants that
end up in our stormwater.
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STORMWATER IN HAMILTON
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STORMWATER BECOME POLLUTED?
ON THE STREET
AROUND THE HOME
Car washing is a popular weekend activity. But what
happens to the wash water when it flows down the
driveway? The detergent joins antifreeze, oil, grease,
heavy metals, and bits of rust and tyre rubber from
the thousands of cars that travel Hamilton’s streets
everyday. A lot of these materials are washed into the
stormwater network and end up in the Waikato River.
What about all of those cleaners, paints and
detergents that we use around our homes? If disposed
of in the wrong place, they could get into waterways
and cause damage.
You can prevent this by washing your car on the lawn,
where the soil will help filter out detergent and the
dirt and grime off your car. Keeping your car regularly
tuned causes less pollution and will help prevent any
leaks. Keep an eye out for oil spots on your driveway,
soak up any leaks with newspaper and dispose of this
in your rubbish.
ON THE FOOTPATH
Animal waste on the footpath can wash into
waterways and could spread disease. Take a plastic
bag when you’re out and about and dispose of this
waste in a rubbish bin.
Leaves piling up in street gutters may be breaking
down and sending unwanted nutrients into
waterways, where they could cause algae blooms
and weed growth. Litter and leaves decay in water, a
process that uses up oxygen and suffocates fish and
insects. Even biodegradable rubbish, like food scraps
shouldn’t be thrown into waterways.
Remember anything you throw out onto the street or
footpath (including cigarette butts) will end up in the
Waikato River via the stormwater system.
Keeping these chemicals out of waterways is as
simple as making sure that they are not disposed
of into drains. There are two sets of drains on your
property. One for wastewater, and the other to drain
stormwater from your roof and section. Find out
where your stormwater drain is and make sure it only
drains rain!
IN THE GARDEN
Stormwater runoff from your section may be taking
with it fertiliser, sediment, pesticides and other
chemicals. Avoid getting fertiliser or spray on paved
areas as this will wash straight into the stormwater
drain when it next rains.
Rain gardens are a great way to capture stormwater
on your property so that it filters into the soil, and
prevents pollutants from the garden getting into
waterways.
HEY, WE
Some alternative stormwater treatment systems include;
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Planted swales slow stormwater flows, capture some
contaminants and absorb some of the water into
the ground. They can sometimes take the place of
conventional stormwater piped systems.
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Artificial wetlands and stormwater ponds help remove
pollutants from water. Aquatic plants that grow in the
wetlands, trap particles and contaminants carried in
stormwater. The particles with contaminants settle out
and some are taken up by plants.
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Some Councils minimise the use of stormwater pipes
in favour of open drains. Open drains improve water
quality and encourage fish and other aquatic life.
The margins of these drains can also be planted to
contribute to a more sustainable environment for
the future.
LIVE DOWN HERE!
Have you noticed the silver fish on catchpits throughout
the city, and wondered “What are those there for”?
Well, they don’t mean that this is a good fishing spot!
The fish is our native Kokopu. It is there to remind us
that whatever we put into a stormwater drain will end
up in the river, and could harm the Kokopu and other
fish and animals that live there.
Keep an eye out for these fish the next time you’re
passing a stormwater catchpit, and remember,
"Stormwater drains are only for rain".
The Kokopu is one of our native fish that live in the
Waikato River and gully streams in Hamilton. However,
if we continue to wash pollutants into our streams
through our stormwater, the Kokopu will either have
to find another place to live or will die.
The native Kokopu on catch pits throughout Hamilton City are there to remind us
that whatever we put into a stormwater drain could end up in the river.
YOU
Check out the WHAT CAN
DO?
section in this booklet for information on how to
make a Rain Friendly Garden (page 24 and take the
Water Wise Stormwater Test (page 25).
STEMMING STORMWATER
FROM THE START
In new subdivisions and industrial areas, the
opportunity to provide alternative ways of treating
stormwater is more achievable and has become a
standard requirement in most cities.
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HOW DOES
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SAVING THE STORMWATER
DRAIN FOR RAIN
Some of the things we do around our homes directly
affect the quality of the Waikato River, even though
we may live a long way away from it. Find out where
the stormwater off your property drains. Keep an eye
on these drains to make sure that nothing goes down
them that you wouldn’t want to swim in.
MAKE A ‘RAIN FRIENDLY GARDEN’
Rain Gardens are becoming a popular way for people
to help reduce the impacts of stormwater. Creating
a rain garden will not only soak up stormwater and
minimise flooding, but will help prevent pollution
getting into waterways.
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Rain gardens are landscaped areas, planted with
appropriate shrubs and native plants which slow
down water flows, encouraging infiltration rather
than overland flow.
Rain gardens don’t need to be very big, and you can
site more than one around your section.
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You can also install a narrow gravel trench
alongside hard surfaces like driveways. This will
divert water to nearby gardens and allow it to
filter into the soil.
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Make a rain garden in a low area of lawn where
water naturally drains.
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Build a rain garden to collect water off your roof,
with a simple pipe attached to your downpipe.
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TAKE THE WATER
YOU DO?
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WHAT CAN
Porous paving such as gravel or turf blocks allow
water to soak into the ground rather than running
off hard surfaces such as concrete or tarseal. 85%
of rainfall will run off concrete or tarseal while
50% will run off a loose stone surface.
Raised gardens and mulches will also help detain
and retain water.
WISE TEST: STORMWATER
LOOK AFTER OUR STREAMS
AND RIVER
This test gives an idea on how good you are at minimising
stormwater production and keeping stormwater clean.
Be proactive in your own neighbourhood.
INSTRUCTIONS:
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Pass on information about water to your
neighbours. A friendly chat over the fence is a
great way to let people know that our stormwater
drains run straight to the river. It’s a great way to
meet your neighbours too!
Keep an eye on your local stormwater drains and
catchpits. A quick sweep up of leaves or litter
around your driveway stops this rubbish from
getting into the river. Your neighbours may also
notice and feel encouraged to keep their drains
clear as well.
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Report excessive litter or leaves that could cause
flooding to Council who will organise a staff
member to deal with this.
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Inform Council if you notice any water pollution
in your area, or incidences when someone is
discharging contaminants into a waterway or a
stormwater drain.
Small actions add up to make a big difference!
✓
Tick the box if the answer is
yes or if the question is not relevant to you, (for example
if you don’t own a car).
When we wash the car/vehicle we use a commercial
carwash with a water reclaim system, or wash it at
home on the grass using buckets.
I don’t empty soapy or other dirty or contaminated
water in the stormwater drain. I tip it on the grass
or garden or down the gully trap (the outside
wastewater drain).
We take used oil to the Refuse Transfer Station for
recycling and keep oil leaks and accidental spills out
of the stormwater drains. Or we take the car to the
service station for oil changes and servicing.
WHAT IS YOUR SCORE OUT OF 10?
If you got a 9 or 10, Excellent! you’re really thinking
about the environment around you. Score of 7 or 8?
That’s great... and there are still a couple of things
you can do better. Got 5 or 6? You’re placing an
unnecessary burden on the environment. If you got
less than 5, read the instructions again, and read the
Water Booklet. Lets all do our bit to make our river
cleaner! Help spread the word. “Drains (stormwater)
are for rain”. Tell a friend, your family, and your
workmates.
Did you know that its actually illegal to wash your car
or any other equipment including painting gear and
waste bins over a stormwater drain?
An example of a 'Rain Garden' fed by a
roof stormwater downpipe (inset)
We keep the driveway, roadside gutter and catchpits
free from litter and leaves. (Leaves can be added to
your compost heap or in heavy leaf fall, call Council
to arrange a collection for street sweepings).
We use organic compost in preference to synthetic
chemical fertilisers in the garden.
When out walking the dog, I take a plastic bag to pick
up the dog’s waste and dispose of it into a rubbish bin.
I never drop litter or cigarette butts on the ground.
We have a 'Rain Friendly Garden', (see page 24) and/or
less than 40% of the section is covered with impervious
surfaces such as buildings, concrete and asphalt.
We prevent erosion when landscaping or building. We
cover areas where soil is exposed so that rain doesn’t
wash the soil away.
With acrylic or water-based paint we wash brushes at
an inside sink or over the grass or garden. If using oil
or solvent based paint we wash brushes in a container
with thinners, then filter the thinner and re-use.
Otherwise we let the solvent evaporate and dispose
of the solids in the rubbish.
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No Tama, the beautiful awa water gave us all the
sustenance we needed to spend the whole day
paddling. Fresh and clear it was, with a few pipi
(shellfish) from the shore for lunch and we'd be set
for the day.
Like the silver fish on the city’s stormwater catchpits
Koro? Dad told us they were there to remind us that
only rain should go down a stormwater drain, or else
the fish will die.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
No it was different then moko. We'd spend the whole
day swimming before your great grandmother called
us home for kai (food).
We've only caught a big orange carp when we go
fishing koro...
Koro, it's changed so much since you were a boy
...how will it be for my mokopuna?
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Support REUSE and help us save paper.
If you no longer need this booklet, share it with a friend
or return it to Hamilton City Council so that we can pass it on
to someone else to read.
ISBN: 1877406 031
Reprinted December 2006
Printed on recycled, chlorine free paper.
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For more information visit hamilton.co.nz and search using key words
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Ae Koro? Pipi from the shore? We've never seen
a pipi there. I wouldn't drink that water either.
It tastes funny.
Yes moko..... we caught plenty of fish when I was a
boy. Lots of eels, trout and whitebait...
www.ew.govt.nz/ourenvironment/water/index.htm
www.niwa.co.nz/ncwr/
www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/water/
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USEFUL WEBSITES
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We were told that taniwha guarded these sites,
to make sure that nothing bad entered the waters.
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He he, Koro, you'd have to eat all of aunties kumara
to get the energy to go as fast as them!
Hamilton City Council
Environment Waikato
Nga Mana Toopu o Kirikiriroa (special thanks to Wiremu Puke)
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AGENDA 21 IN ACTION
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We used to paddle our waka on the awa too, moko.
Didn't have to watch out for speed boats then either!
INFORMATION SOURCES
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Look out for other booklets on:
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Waste
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Energy
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Transport
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Shopping
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Gully Guide
There were Rahui (rules) on the streams where we
caught eels and gathered watercress. We watched
those waters closely to make sure they weren't
polluted. The Rahui looked after the Mauri (life force)
of that site so that the water would be protected.
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We used to play at the awa (river) when I was a boy.
No fancy toy boats then. We'd make waka (canoe)
out of flax sticks that grew along the banks, and
follow them downstream until they were eaten by
a taniwha and disappeared.
Yes moko. The awa has changed since I was a boy.
Too many people not taking enough care with what
they put into the river and the streams that flow
into it.
This booklet was produced by the Hamilton City Council.
It is part of the Know It? ...Live It! Environmental Education programme.
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Okay Tama. I'd better come to make sure you
mokopuna (grandchildren) don't upset the taniwha.
Ae Koro! It was so hot but mum wouldn't let us kids
go to jump off the jetty. She said we'd get sick and
had to wait until they took the signs down.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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Hey Koro (grandfather), we're taking our boats down
to the river. Want to come and watch?
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KORO HOW WILL IT BE IN THE FUTURE?
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Municipal Offices, Garden Place
Hamilton, New Zealand
Ph 07 838 6699, Fax 07 838 6599
www.hamilton.co.nz