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Recently, we’ve received a lot of questions about leaks and mystery puddles. It can be confusing to know whether that patch of water on your lawn is a serious problem or just a natural part of the wet winter season.
So, when you find a puddle on your property or on council land, who’s responsible for getting it fixed? We’ve put together this guide, with information from Watercare, to help you identify the source of the water and know exactly who to call.
Groundwater is water that is naturally found underground. When it rains, water soaks into the earth, filling the small empty spaces within soil and porous rock.
How to identify it: In winter, the ground can become so saturated that this groundwater rises to the surface, creating puddles. These puddles are a completely natural phenomenon. They typically appear in low-lying spots, like driveways or near water meter boxes, and often look like stagnant, still pools of water.
Who to call: You don’t need to report groundwater. As Watercare advises, these puddles are natural and will usually disappear on their own as the ground dries out.
Found a puddle on your property? Before assuming it’s a major issue, check if it might be groundwater. The best way to rule out a leak is to do a meter test (we’ll explain how below). If your water meter isn’t moving, it’s very likely just groundwater.
Stormwater is simply rainwater that runs off surfaces instead of soaking into the ground. This runoff flows into the stormwater network (drains and pipes), which is managed by Auckland Council.
How to identify it: When rain hits hard surfaces like paved roads or driveways, it can’t soak in, leading to puddles or localised flooding. If it has been raining or drizzling in the last few days, any puddles on the footpath or your driveway are most likely stormwater.
Who to call:
A water leak is caused by a crack or burst in a pressurised water pipe.
How to identify it: The biggest clue is a puddle that appears when it hasn’t been raining recently, or a damp patch that never seems to dry up. Unlike groundwater, which is often stagnant, a leak may look like water actively seeping or flowing out of the ground.
Who to call:
If the meter is moving, it’s time to call us at Nexus Plumbing. We can quickly diagnose the problem, find the source of the leak, and repair it.
💡 Good to know: If you have a leak repaired, you can visit the Watercare website to apply for a “leak allowance” to get credit for the water wasted.
This is the most serious issue. If you see dirty, foul-smelling water or solids overflowing onto the ground from a manhole, this is a wastewater overflow.
Who to call: Your first and only initial call should be to Watercare on 09 442 2222.
What happens next: Watercare will visit the site to determine if the blockage is in the public sewer main or on your private drainage line. If the problem is on their side, they will fix it. If they determine the issue is on your private property, they will inform you, and at that point, you should call a plumber like Nexus Plumbing to resolve it.
