Waiuku's Hard Water Crisis
Waiuku, Auckland, 1 July 2025
Franklin Local Board Representative Gary Holmes is intensifying his call for Watercare to address the long-standing issue of hard water in Waiuku. This demand comes as Watercare embarks on a new era of financial independence, a change highlighted in their own press release today. Despite Watercare's recent statement at an open Franklin Local Board meeting that it cannot single out the community for water softening treatment, Holmes argues that this new financial autonomy provides the perfect opportunity to address the significant financial burden placed on Waiuku residents.
Watercare stated at the recent Franklin Local Board meeting it cannot include water softening treatment as part of its $45 million upgrade of the Waiuku water treatment plant due to ongoing maintenance costs. They maintained that because the water meets safe drinking standards, further intervention is unnecessary.
"Watercare's response misses the point entirely," says Holmes. "While the water may meet basic drinking standards, it is demonstrably failing to provide Waiuku residents with the same level of value and service enjoyed by most other parts of Auckland. This isn't about luxury; it's about fairness and preventing residents from bearing excessive costs. Now, with their new ability to borrow in their own name, without support from council or the government, Watercare has even less excuse to neglect the needs of Waiuku residents."
Hard water, characterized by high mineral content, causes significant damage to household appliances, reduces the lifespan of hot water cylinders and kettles, and negatively impacts the taste and appearance of drinking water. Waiuku residents are currently forced to shoulder the financial burden of installing their own water treatment systems, frequently replacing damaged appliances, and even incurring costs for items like water cylinders at a much higher rate than other Aucklanders.
"Watercare claims 'fairness and equity' in its service provision across Auckland," says Holmes. "But where is the fairness for Waiuku residents who are forced to pay more out of their own pockets for essential water-related infrastructure and maintenance, simply because Watercare is unwilling to invest in a solution that would benefit the entire community? Watercare Chief Executive Jamie Sinclair himself stated that their financial separation allows them to 'borrow more to deliver our ambitious $13.8 billion infrastructure programme without steep price rises for our customers.' This newfound financial flexibility should be used to deliver equitable services for all Aucklanders, including those in Waiuku."
A recent survey conducted by Holmes revealed widespread dissatisfaction with Waiuku's water quality and the resulting financial strain. Key findings include:
• Appalling rating: Residents ranked their drinking water a dismal 1.8 out of 5.
• Financial strain: Most households reported spending thousands of dollars on appliance repairs and individual softening systems.
• Overwhelming demand: Nearly 90% of respondents believe Watercare should incorporate water softening in the plant upgrade.
"The survey responses paint a clear picture of frustration and financial burden," says Holmes. "Residents are tired of replacing appliances, battling limescale buildup, and feeling like second-class citizens when it comes to water quality and the associated costs. Watercare's refusal to implement a water softening solution effectively means Waiuku residents are paying for a lower quality of service, despite contributing to the same utility. With Watercare planning to invest around $1 billion on new and upgraded infrastructure for Auckland over the next year, it's imperative that a portion of this investment addresses the long-standing hard water issue in Waiuku."
Holmes is urging Watercare to reconsider its decision and include a water softening system in the upcoming upgrade. "This is a critical opportunity to address a longstanding inequity and provide Waiuku residents with the same standard of water and value enjoyed by the rest of Auckland," he states. "It's time for Watercare to listen to the community, acknowledge the real financial impact of their policy, and leverage their new financial independence to deliver a solution that is truly fair and equitable for all.
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