29 June 2004

Price Of Water To Fall

There will be no increase in the cost of water to Manukau residents this coming year. In fact, prices are set to drop next year.

Operational savings and cost efficiencies achieved by Manukau Water mean prices are to stay at current levels and the organisation is to pass on to consumers the savings from a price adjustment of $3.9 million it has received from Watercare Services, which supplies bulk water and treats wastewater.

It is part of a total price reduction of $15 million which the six local authorities that collectively own Watercare are benefiting from.

$1.15 million will go towards reducing the cost of water to consumers in Manukau and the price of water will fall to 1.065 cents per cubic metre, down from 1.107 cents.

$2 million will be passed on in lower wastewater charges and $800,000 will be used on improving wastewater facilities including upgrading pipes.

Manukau Water General Manager Raveen Jaduram says recent flooding incidents revealed that stormwater was getting into the wastewater system on some properties, particularly in the Manurewa area, which led to overflows. "We will be investigating and separating the pipes to keep stormwater out of wastewater pipes. That should prevent the overflows and resultant health dangers from mixing sewage with stormwater."

Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says although Manukau residents already have the cheapest water in the Auckland region, it is always good to be able to reduce prices to consumers whenever possible.

ENDS

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