The council plans to spend $1.4 billion over 20 years on its stormwater and sewage networks but its drains are only part of the pollution picture. To prevent it spurting out through gully traps and manhole covers, hundreds of 'designed overflow' points are built into the network - sending diluted sewage into streams and watercourses. During heavy rain, stormwater floods the system causing wastewater to overflow. About 15 per cent of the city's ageing drains still combine sewage and stormwater. He presides over a network of crumbling, leaky stormwater and sewage pipes and pumping stations. As head of environmental and utility management at Auckland City Council, McQuillan's is one of the dirtiest, but expensive, jobs in the business.
Gathering dust in a corner of Mike McQuillan's office are a gold-painted plunger, roll of toilet paper and piece of pipe - an ironic take on an issue we like to keep out of sight and out of mind.
