The stormwater system is an underground network of pipes that drains the rain off of our roads, footpaths, and from our gutters, and diverts it into our streams, rivers and eventually out to sea.
It is illegal for anything other than rainwater to go into stormwater drains.
Unlike wastewater, which gets treated at a treatment plant, stormwater does not get treated. This means everything that goes into the stormwater system will eventually end up at sea. We all share a responsibility for keeping our stormwater system clean, so our environment is not negatively impacted.
Every day we undertake a number of tasks that can impact on our stormwater system, and our wastewater network. All we need to do is make a few small changes and our infrastructure, waterways and the environment will be better off. Find out how you can help look after our stormwater system.
Who is responsible for drains?
You own and are responsible for all drains, pipe work and plumbing which service your property and which are upstream of the point of service.
They are private and we don't have records or knowledge of them, other that when they are brought to our attention or appear on a sub-divisional plan.
Our point of service for stormwater services can be found at the junction connection on the council main (pipeline). Where a property is serviced by a pipeline draining to the road kerb, the point of service is the road kerb
We're responsible for maintaining the stormwater system up to and including the point of service.
Stormwater and other drainage information can be viewed in our Xplorer-Property Map by searching an address and turning on the relevant layers in the Layer List.
The Heretaunga Drain plays an important role in managing stormwater across our community. Declaring it a public drain helps make sure it is maintained consistently and continues to work effectively during heavy rain.
Read public notice here
Feedback closes.
9 December 2025
Decision to be made at Council meeting.
10 December 2025
If you would like to speak to this during the Council meeting on 10 December, please refer to our rules and guidelines here.
FAQ on Heretaunga Drain and what this means for property owners
Why is Council doing this?
To ensure stormwater can flow freely and the cost/benefits of maintaining the operation of the drain are spread equally. When multiple property owners maintain different sections of the drain, maintenance can be inconsistent and the impacts of this can reach beyond a single property boundary. A public drain declaration helps ensure a uniform approach and manage the system as a whole.
Current responsibilities for maintenance
Individual property owners are responsible for:
- Supporting or retaining the banks or structures on or near the drain
- Maintaining and removing trees or foliage on or near the banks
- Reinstating damage to banks or structures caused by natural water flow
- Fencing along the drain
What changes with the public drain declaration?
The declaration is to support maintaining free flow of water and ensuring bank stability for the entire length of the drain. Private drains that flow into the Heretaunga Drain remain the landowner's responsibility.
Council will not maintain or repair private structures such as bridges unless the damage is caused by natural erosion from water flow.
Fencing along the drain remains the responsibility of the property owners.
An assessment of the drain and all structures will be undertaken to establish a condition baseline and consented structures.
Is Council responsible for private sewer lines crossing the drain?
No, responsibilities for private sewage pipes remain unchanged.
Does Council have access onto my property?
Yes, Council requires access to carry out maintenance activities only.
This is unchanged from the current situation as some properties have already had the drain declared as public in the past or have easements over them for maintenance purposes.
Does the public gain access to my property because the drain is a ‘public drain’?
No, the declaration does not grant public access.
Where does the drain begin and end on my property?
For maintenance purposes, it extends from boundary to boundary, including the drainage channel and associated banks.
In some cases there are easements on the property in favour of Upper Hutt City Council for maintenance purposes and they can be found on the property maps when the map gallery on this page is launched: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Services/Maps
Does this change my property size, value, or rates?
No, the drain area remains part of your property.
The declaration does not alter property boundaries, land value, or rates.
Will Council remove plants or landscaping I’ve put on the bank?
Only if they affect water flow or compromise bank stability..
Will Council take any land or require additional land on either side of the drain?
No, this is only about clarifying maintenance responsibilities. No land is being taken.
If a large tree on the bank falls and damages my fence or yard, is Council responsible?
Responsibility will depend on:
- The condition assessment baseline
- The cause of the failure
The intention of the declaration is to manage risks proactively so such events are less likely.
Can Council concrete or modify the drain without consent?
There is no intention to change how the drain currently operates or to concrete it. Any significant works would follow normal regulatory processes.
What are the rules for building near a public drain?
Rules depend on the proposal. For example, consents are required for earthworks within 10 m of a waterbody (excluding gardening, cultivation, or fence-post installation)
Does this give Council more power to prosecute polluters?
No, this declaration relates only to maintaining water flow.
Water quality enforcement remains under Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Natural Resources Plan.
Will Council survey my property to define the exact boundary of the drain?
No, a detailed survey is not planned, but a condition assessment will be carried out for maintenance purposes.