The release of the Auckland Water Industry’s third annual performance review for the 2004/2005 year highlighted the continuing need for suppliers to maintain and improve stormwater, water supply and wastewater services.

The review provides information about the practices, prices and performance of ten ‘water’ organisations in the Auckland region including North Shore City Council.

It highlights the growing challenges faced by the industry - from climate change, population growth and urbanisation to increasingly stringent environmental standards and the need to maintain and renew existing infrastructure.

The full review can be viewed online at www.northshorecity.govt.nz

Key facts

• Each year, 22 million cubic metres of water is supplied to North Shore homes and businesses.

• North Shore City Council treats over 18 million cubic metres of wastewater a year at its Rosedale Treatment Plant

• There are over 1,000 kilometres of stormwater pipes in North Shore City

• These services are delivered through networks and plant valued at over $1.4 billion.

• North Shore City’s water user charge of $1.29 per 1,000 litres is in the middle range. This makes one litre of North Shore tap water up to 600 times cheaper than bottled water.

• North Shore City Council’s wastewater charge is below Metrowater Ltd, but slightly above the regional average.