Freshwater environment

Auckland's Freshwater Environment

The Auckland region has an abundant natural supply of freshwater.

It can be found in rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and wetland areas but most of it is hidden below the surface as groundwater. Groundwater is stored in the tiny spaces and cracks amongst the soil and rocks. Gravity slowly moves the groundwater towards the rivers, streams, ponds, lakes and wetlands.

Find out more about our precious freshwater resource and what's being done to keep it pure.

Rivers and streams

The Auckland region contains many thousands of kilometres of rivers and streams ranging from tiny forest streams to large rivers. Find out more about the region's rivers and streams and their health.

Regional lakes

There are many different types of lakes in the Auckland region including artificial reservoirs that store our drinking water, volcanic crater lakes, peat lakes, and lagoons trapped behind sand dunes.

Find out which lakes are being monitored, where problems can occur, and how you can help.

Wetlands

Wetlands provide an important link between our freshwater and land areas, they help to control floods and reduce droughts, they also support a wide range of plants, birds and animals.

Many wetlands have already been drained. You can find out here what's being done now to preserve, restore, and protect these important places.