Auckland Council is welcoming strong progress in its Safe Septic compliance programme, with three‑quarters of the city’s on‑site wastewater systems now confirmed as compliant.
When the Safe Septic compliance programme was introduced six years ago, around 25% of systems were meeting requirements. Today, compliance has risen to 75%, meaning more than 30,000 septic tanks across Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf Islands have been inspected and verified by qualified service providers.
There are currently 41,349 on‑site wastewater systems operating as permitted activities across the region. Of these, 30,109 sites (73%) have engaged with the Safe Septic programme and provided evidence of regular inspections, as required under the Auckland Unitary Plan.
“On‑site wastewater systems are a critical part of our wastewater network, particularly in rural and fringe urban areas, and when they’re maintained properly, they protect waterways, beaches and public health,” said Council’s Acting Compliance Manager, Jesse Hindt.
The Council’s proactive monitoring programme is also proving highly effective. Over the past 12 months, programme monitoring has identified 1,879 systems with faults requiring repair. Nearly half of these – 938 systems – have already been fixed, reducing the risk of sewage overflows and environmental harm. By comparison, only 111 septic‑related complaints were received from the public over a 14‑month period, and around half of these are expected to result in no confirmed breach.
This means proactive monitoring is around 17 times more effective at identifying real issues than relying on complaints alone. Many of these systems are in coastal areas, where if they overflow, they directly pollute the surrounding environment.
Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, Councillor Josephine Bartley says the results show why the programme matters.
“This is about looking after our environment and our communities. Failing wastewater systems can have a cumulative and serious impact on water quality, especially in areas without reticulated sewerage. Strong compliance is essential if we want cleaner waterways and safer beaches for everyone,” she said.
However, while the overall picture is positive, the council says it has reached the point where stronger action is unavoidable.
Around 11,240 properties, approximately 27% of all systems, have still failed to engage with Safe Septic, despite repeated notification and reminder letters. The condition of these systems remains unknown, and based on current failure rates, an estimated 950 properties may be operating faulty systems.
“We’re happy with those who have complied but need those who have not to step up and get their systems serviced to avoid any impacts to our environment and public health. They have had plenty of warnings; at this point letters have been ignored, and our patience has worn thin,” says Mr Hindt.
Council will now begin issuing abatement notices starting with those areas considered most at risk, compelling non‑compliant owners to meet their obligations under the Auckland Unitary Plan. Enforcement tools will also include LIM notations to alert prospective buyers, and fines of up to $2,000 where required.
“This isn’t about punishment for the sake of it,” says Cr Bartley.
“It’s about fairness, environmental protection, and making sure everyone plays their part. Most Aucklanders already are and it’s time the remainder caught up.”
The Safe Septic programme is funded by the Water Quality Target Rate.
