Auckland’s Rainfall Brings Temporary Relief, but Drought Concerns Persist
While Auckland has experienced some rainfall over the past few days, it’s essential to recognise that these showers haven’t alleviated the underlying drought conditions. As of March 5, 2025, Watercare has activated its drought management plan due to dam storage levels dropping to 66.5%, significantly below the historical average of 78.4% for this time of year.
The Hūnua dam catchments, responsible for supplying up to two-thirds of Auckland’s water, have received 27% less rainfall than usual over the summer. The smaller Waitākere catchments have experienced even drier conditions, with less than half their normal rainfall. You can find the most up to date information on the water dam levels here.
In response, Watercare is urging Aucklanders to adopt water-saving measures, such as taking shorter showers and limiting the use of sprinklers. Chief Operations Officer Mark Bourne emphasises that while mandatory water restrictions are not currently in place, these voluntary conservation efforts are crucial to prevent more severe measures in the future.
Looking across the Tasman Sea, our neighbours in Brisbane are bracing for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The cyclone is forecasted to make landfall between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, potentially becoming one of the most destructive storms in the region for decades.
This system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, which could influence weather patterns in Auckland, possibly providing some relief to our dry conditions. However, it’s important to note that relying on potential rainfall from such weather events is not a sustainable solution to our water scarcity issues.
Future-Proofing Water Security with Smart Solutions
With Auckland facing ongoing drought challenges, it’s never been more important to invest in water security. Watersmart provides innovative solutions that help homes and businesses capture, store, and reuse water efficiently. Products like Aquacomb, an underground modular stormwater detention and re-use system, and FenceTank, which seamlessly integrates into property boundaries to save space, allow Aucklanders to maximise their rainwater collection potential.
For those looking to make their water supply more resilient, Hydraloop offers a state-of-the-art greywater recycling system that treats and reuses water from showers, baths, and washing machines. Additionally, WaterSAFE ensures compliance and safety for drinking water storage.
By adopting these smart water solutions, Aucklanders can take proactive steps to secure their water supply, reduce reliance on municipal sources, and build resilience against future droughts.
Explore Watersmart’s full range of water-saving solutions here.
