Years of neglect have left Wellington's water network in need of a complete overhaul

A Mayoral Taskforce report has found the capital's current approach to water- both drinking and waste - isn't working.

It's recommending sweeping changes, including the establishment of a separate entity like Auckland's Watercare, and residential water meters.

Mayor Andy Foster says there's been under-investment in water infrastructure for many years, and significant funding given for upgrades has been directed to other projects.

He says the result is a network that's ageing and deteriorating, leading to broken pipes that are leaking both drinking and wastewater.