Water use and charging

Water invoices

Water meters are read twice a year:

First reading Nov / Dec
Second reading May / June

Water accounts are due for payment one month following receipt of invoice. Direct Debits are a great way of spreading this cost over the full year.

You are likely to use more water in the summer, so a small increase in warmer months can be expected.

In New Zealand, the average person uses around 220 litres of water per day so the average household use:

A two-person household may use between 10-15,000 litres of water per month
A five person household may use as much as 25-35,000 litres of water per month.

Business and rural / agricultural use is difficult to estimate as water needs vary a lot. But if your business is a high user, monitor your use closely (especially where irrigation is involved) as leaks could have significant cost implications for you.

Water charging

The amount paid in your rates reflects the fixed charges of your water scheme including things like cost of loans and depreciation.

Your water usage charges are worked out on a cost per cubic metre of water going through your system and reflect the actual operating costs, including power, pumping and treatment.

Keeping track of your own monthly water use

As your meter is read twice a year, an undetected leak can add up to a larger bill very quickly. It pays to monitor your system to ensure leaks are picked up early.

You can do your own meter readings to better understand your household water use and provide an early warning of either increased use or possible leaks before they cost you in your next water invoice.

Learn how to read your meter and check for leaks.

What if I move house?

It is your responsibility to ensure that a final reading of the meter is done on the day you shift. Your solicitor may have arranged this. A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required before a final meter reading may be done.

Request service or report a problem

Meter readers

It is each property owner’s responsibility to ensure the meter and box is kept visible and accessible at all times so that the meter reader can do their job.

Please make sure:

The meter is kept clear - cut back shrubs and grass around the meter box and make sure it isn’t buried under grass or soil.
The meter reader can access the box. They are usually outside the property boundary but in some cases they may need to ask to open gates or cross stiles
Ensure dogs are kept away from the meter readers and under control at all times

If a meter reader is prevented from reading the meter, the account will have to be estimated and that may lead to an even bigger bill later in the year.