Overland flow path checks to begin in Warkworth and Snells Beach

Auckland Council will begin overland flow path assessments in Warkworth and Snells Beach from March as part of its Making Space for Water programme.

Overland flow paths are the natural routes rainwater takes across land during heavy rain, when drains are full. They are a normal and necessary part of the stormwater system to help prevent flooding of homes and streets.

When these paths stay clear, water can move safely away. When they are blocked by fences, landscaping or debris, flooding can happen more quickly and with more damage.

Council staff and contractors will visit selected properties in areas identified as higher flood risk. Properties will be sent notification letters before the visit. The assessments focus on what is happening on the ground and will help identify where simple changes may reduce flooding risk.

In many cases, no action will be needed. Where issues are identified, residents will receive clear, practical advice on simple steps that can help, such as keeping gutters and drains clear or adjusting fences so water can pass underneath. The aim is to support property owners, not to penalise them.

Councillor Greg Sayers says, flood resilience is a shared responsibility.

"By working with residents to identify risks early and keep overland flow paths clear, we can reduce flooding and better protect homes and neighbourhoods during heavy rain."

Since the programme began in 2024, Auckland Council has visited more than 3,500 properties across the region to assess overland flow paths. Property owners have generally been willing to discuss how stormwater is managed on their site.

The most common issue identified, affecting around half of the properties visited, is damaged or poorly maintained roof gutters and downpipes. When this is repeated across a neighbourhood, it can significantly increase the amount of water flowing over land instead of through the drainage system.

"Seemingly small maintenance issues can add up quickly during heavy rain," says Dean Yee, Auckland Council's overland flow path assessment programme lead.

"During a storm, a single downpipe can release about four litres of water every second - that is a full 10 litre bucket every three seconds. Multiply that across a neighbourhood and it is easy to see how small issues can become major flood risks."

Managing overland flow paths is a shared responsibility. By working together, small changes on individual properties can make a real difference reducing flood risk and protecting homes and neighbourhoods during heavy rain.