Despite the recent heavy rain, Auckland's dam levels remain at 78.4% capacity as of Monday, 19 August.

This figure is based on the combined total of Auckland's ten key water storage lakes located in the Hūnua and Waitākere Ranges.

Waitākere Ranges:

• Waitākere Dam: 100% full
• Upper Nihotupu Dam: 98.74% full
• Upper Huia Dam: 87.94% full
• Lower Nihotupu Dam: 100% full
• Lower Huia Dam: 100% full

Hūnua Ranges:

• Cosseys Dam: 74.07% full
• Wairoa Dam: 73.24% full
• Upper Mangatawhiri Dam: 88.86% full
• Mangatangi Dam: 67.57% full
• Hays Creek Dam: 100% full

Watercare, which manages these 12 supply lakes, highlights their importance in providing approximately 80% of Auckland's water.

These lakes, capable of storing up to 95.5 million cubic metres, benefit from their high elevation, allowing gravity to facilitate efficient water flow to the city.

The Waitākere and Hūnua ranges receive around 1.8 metres of rain annually, significantly more than the central Auckland area.

Historically, the construction of these dams has evolved, with earlier models in the Waitākere Ranges made from concrete and later versions constructed from earth and rock following World War II.

The Mangatangi Dam, completed in 1977, is the most recent addition to this vital infrastructure.

That was 47 years ago!