Auckland Council is undertaking inspections in Piha to address the human waste contamination of the lagoon.

“Water quality has long been a problem at Piha lagoon. We see warnings against swimming in the lagoon year after year,” says Waitākere Ward Councillor and chair of the Regulatory Committee Linda Cooper.

“We know Aucklanders want us to improve the state of our water, and we’re asking Piha residents to help us with important work in their backyard," Councillor Cooper says.

“The 2016 West Coast Lagoons study showed that human waste is one of the polluting sources, so we’re focussing on poorly performing septic tanks and on-site wastewater systems that could be contributing to this problem.

“Over many years we’ve supported different ways to address the situation through projects primarily focused on schemes to require septic tank pump-outs and incentives to improve existing wastewater systems and septic tanks, such as the upgrade subsidy previously offered by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board.

"While these have helped, unfortunately they are not enough and the general condition of the lagoon remains poor, so we’re now looking at different options,” Councillor Cooper says.

The council’s Manager Regulatory Compliance Steve Pearce says council staff will be visiting properties in Piha with wastewater disposal systems that have the potential to cause discharges into the lagoon or the Piha Stream.

“We’re looking to get a better understanding of what kinds of systems are being used and what condition they are in to inform what we do next to eliminate human waste pollution in the Piha Lagoon,” Mr Pearce says.

“If we’re going to address water quality, we need to work together. Part of our work will be further educating people about their responsibilities when it comes to water quality and their wastewater disposal systems. As part of this, we’ll be reminding owners and users of septic tanks that they’re responsible for ensuring their systems are maintained and upgraded when necessary.

“We’d like to thank Piha residents in advance for their cooperation. Their support will help the potential regeneration of the fresh water natural habit, and enable us to obtain crucial data that will help us in future planning for the Piha area,” Mr Pearce says.

The council will carry out inspections in the Piha Lagoon Catchment area on Glenesk Road, parts of Seaview Road and the start of Garden Road and Beach Valley Roads. Letters will be sent out advising property owners of the inspections.

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