MEDIA RELEASE

27 April 2004

Getting Waiheke pumping

Waiheke Island property owners will soon be reminded to have their septic tanks pumped out at least once every three years.

With the support of the Waiheke Community Board, Auckland City has this week launched an initiative to enforce Part 29 of the Auckland City Consolidated Bylaw 1998 to protect the island’s environment and residents.

If these tanks are not pumped on a regular basis, settled solids can build up, damaging the wastewater system and causing unpleasant odours or groundwater discharges. During heavy rain, these can be washed into waterways and out to sea and can create public health nuisances. It is Auckland City’s intention to work with the Waiheke community towards improving wastewater management and ensuring that systems are working to their full potential.

As well as having positive effects on the environment, proper maintenance of septic tanks will provide benefits for property owners by minimising any inconvenience caused by tank failures and improving the durability and longevity of their wastewater systems.

Local Waiheke resident and former council officer Jeff Mann has been appointed by the council as a full-time wastewater management officer. He will work with the Waiheke community on wastewater issues and provide assistance where needed. He believes this is a good opportunity for Waiheke property owners to show their support and commitment to keeping Waiheke beautiful.

“Waiheke Island is a great place to live and residents and visitors love the ambience and clean waters. Let’s keep it that way,” says Mr Mann.

Waiheke Community Board Chairperson Kate Hastings also fully supports the initiative.

"The community board, together with many in the community, have been working for some time to ensure that the wastewater management programme for Waiheke is implemented and are delighted that we now have a fulltime wastewater management officer on the island,” says Mrs Hastings.

“The priority for us all is the protection of Waiheke's environment and we are keen that residents understand how to manage their wastewater systems to prevent any possible pollution problems – it's not difficult but it's knowing how."

For further information on the Waiheke septic tank bylaw implementation or any other Waiheke Island wastewater management issue, call (09) 379 2020 or visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/waihekewastewater.

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