Auckland's rainfall still not enough to break the drought as dam levels are still low

Auckland has experienced near normal rainfall throughout the winter and set to continue, but it's unlikely to be enough to break the drought.

The West Auckland dam levels are sitting at around 57 percent full, while the average for this time of the year is around 82 percent, according to Watercare.

Watercare Operations Manager James Talbot says we're heading in the right direction, but it's still not fast enough.

The heavy rain has been a huge help to the five dams in the Waitakere Ranges, as two of them are now 100 percent full.

But while the Waitakere dams may look full, they only contribute 12 billion litres to the overall total. 

"To put it into perspective, that 12 billion litres can all fit into this dam roughly once and then this dam can fit into the Mangatangi Dam, which is also in the Hunuas three times," says Talbot.

The West Auckland dams are 82 percent full on average, but in the southern Hunua ranges where the large majority of our water is stored, the capacity is just over half. 

A low pressure system is moving down the country, however, bringing 30 to 50 millimetres of rain.

Ben Noll, NIWA meteorologist, says Auckland will see some much needed rainfall this week.

"Most of Auckland if not all of Auckland will see some much needed rainfall from Wednesday to Thursday and then as we go into Friday and Saturday, additional showers can be expected, the odd thunderstorm can't be ruled out," Noll said.

Much to Watercare's delight, Auckland's daily water use has come under target for 11 days in a row. 

But they are urging residents to keep up their water saving ways. 

"We're not out of the woods yet. We're still staring down the barrel of a very serious water supply shortage heading into summer. Summer is when we are going to feel the full effect of the crisis that we're in," Talbot said.