Infrastructure Plan Highlights Need For Volumetric Water Charging

Charging households and businesses for the water they use will be a vital tool in ensuring a more efficient and environmentally sustainable water delivery system.

Water New Zealand chief executive Gillian Blythe says the release of the Infrastructure Commission’s National Infrastructure Plan highlights the need to ensure that water services are delivered in the most cost-efficient way across the country.

“While some areas, such as in Auckland, consumers already pay for water on a volumetric basis, across the country many people still do not receive separate water bills.

“Metering and volumetric charging for water helps ensure efficient price signals to customers and provides clear incentives to reduce wastage.

“Some people are likely to be concerned to discover that the Infrastructure Commission expects the cost of water services to double in some areas over the next decade.

“All councils around the country have delivered their Water Services Delivery Plans to the Government as part of the Local Water Done Well reforms. Consumers and ratepayers can now check projected costs and service upgrades required in their region.

“We are playing catch-up as a result of years of under investment and it is inevitable that the cost of water services will increase.”

The report says that over the next ten years, councils are planning to spend close to $50-billion renewing and expanding their water networks.

“This is essential if we are to ensure safe drinking water and the sustainable management of wastewater and stormwater.

“That’s why we need to continue to invest in water infrastructure and the development of a strong regulatory environment.”

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