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Units of water measurement

There are 1,000 litres in a cubic metre (m³). 

To convert gallons to cubic metres, multiply gallons by 4.546 to convert to cubic metres (m³), i.e. 10,000 x 4.546 = 45.46m³.

The average 6 monthly water consumption per household is approximately 150 to 250 cubic metres.

How often are we billed?

If you are on a metered supply you will be billed twice yearly (every six months) All areas are billed to the 1st of the reading month. 

Water prices

Your water rate account is based on consumption measured through your water meter. Water supply is charged for by multiplying the price per cubic meter (1000 litres) by the number of cubic meters of water used during your billing period.

Water is charged at $2.69 per cubic meter (m3) including GST and $1.75 per cubic meter (m3) for untreated water.This covers the operational costs of supplying water, repairs and maintenance

Can we choose how often we are billed?

No. However, arrangements can be made to pay bills more frequently than the billing cycle. Specifically a direct debit or automatic payment can be arranged. 

Who is responsible for paying water rates accounts?

The property owner is responsible as per the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002, therefore in the case of a rental property it is the landlord's (owner's) responsibility to pay the account.

In the event of a property being subject to a registered lease for a term of not less than 10 years, there are provisions that can allow the water account to be sent the lessee.

Do you assess my account and how is it assessed?

Yes, accounts may be assessed in some situations, because a meter has stopped. The average consumption is calculated over the previous 4 readings taken from the meter.

I need another copy of my water invoice

You can request a copy of an invoice by contacting us using our normal contact details with the following information:

• Your water account number and physical address
• Your postal address
• Whether you wish the copy to be posted or faxed (please provide fax number if the request is to be faxed)

Problems with water accounts being high

If your water account is unusually high, it may be that you have a leak. Check for leaks by taking a reading before and after the property is unoccupied for at least 2 hours. An increase in the reading would indicate that water has passed through the meter, and that there is a leak on the your side of the meter, in which case you should contact a plumber.

If there is no leak, it would appear that your usage has increased due to a change of circumstances in the household. If you still believe that the reading is too high, then the Council can arrange for a second reading to re-check the meter, however this incurs a $78.75 reading fee if the reading is found to be correct. To arrange this, contact us with the following information:

• Water rates billing number
• Property address
• Contact day time phone number in case of queries

If you still believe your meter is faulty after a re-check, the Council can arrange for an accuracy check (meter calibration test) on your water meter. This incurs a $168.00 service fee, which is re-fundable if the meter is found to be not recording accurately. To arrange this, contact our Customer Liaison team using our normal contact details.

Tips for saving water

Water rates discount

If you have had a water leak, you may be entitled to a a one-off discount provided you have not had a previous discount because of a water leak. Should you believe you are entitled to a discount, please download the Application for Water Rates Discount form (pdf). 

This application form should be completed and must be accompanied by evidence from a qualified plumber stating that a leak existed and has been repaired. 

Special readings (final readings)

The cost for special meter readings is $78.75 per reading. There is a charge for this service because the reading is carried out outside of the normal six monthly reading cycle by an external source. There are also administrative costs associated with carrying out this service. For this reason, all special water meter reading requests must be made in writing. (We will accept a fax - if request made by solicitor acknowledging fee this will be charged to the account)

If the property owner requests a special reading this is charged to their account. If a tenant is requesting a special water reading they must pay the reading fee at time of request. 

The turnover for completion of processing the invoice and letter is 5 working days after the due date.

NOTE: In cases where there is more than 1 water meter on the same property the reading fee is only charged once.

What is a water restriction?

When water is restricted, a household receives a continuous reduced flow of water.

By providing this restricted supply of water, a household can still maintain sanitary conditions; however, there will be very limited water for undertaking normal household activities.

How does the Council have the right to restrict water supply?

Non payment of water charges constitutes a failure to comply with the water supply bylaw and provides the Council with the ability to restrict water supplies.

A water restriction may be applied when no acceptable attempt has been made to arrange payment of a water account.

Restrictions will occur after a consumer has received two reminder letters and a hand delivered notice stating that restrictions will be applied to their water due to non-payment.

Why did the Council stop restricting water and has now started again?

The Council has not used water restrictions since the new Local Government Act came into force on 1 July 2003.

In July 2004 an amendment was made which once again allowed councils to restrict water supplies as described in the following extracts from Section 193 of the Local Government Act 2002:

“1) The water supply to a person's land or building may be restricted by a local government organisation in any manner it thinks fit if the person— [(ba) fails to comply with any bylaw of the local government organisation that relates to water, water pipes, water-works, water races, or water supply to his or her land or building; or]”

Where water is paid for by meter charges, non payment of the charges constitutes a failure to comply with the bylaw and provides the Council with the ability to restrict water supplies.

Bores and wells for safe household water

If your water comes from a bore or a well, these are things you need to know...

Water used for drinking, teeth-cleaning, hand-washing, bathing, showering, food preparation and cooking needs to be free from harmful germs and chemicals. So does drinking water for stock and pets.

Clear water does not always mean the water is safe. The only way to know if your groundwater is safe is through regular laboratory testing. The major sources of water supply contamination are:

· sewage pollution, including septic tanks

· animal faeces, especially if animals are within 10 metres of a bore-head

· fertilisers