Installing a water meter will ensure you are paying for your ‘actual’ waste water usage – not an estimate based on how many people live in your home.
Residents of the Auckland will see an increase in their water bills starting July 1, 2024. Watercare has announced that water and wastewater service charges will rise by 7.2%.
If your household (or business) is connected to the public wastewater network and your primary water supply is a rain tank or bore – you may be able to switch to volumetric wastewater charging. This means your wastewater charges will include a variable component, based on the volume of water that flows through your water meter. This measurement is used to accurately charge for the water you use. It is also very useful if you wish to gauge how much water you are using, and if you have any water leaks.
Alternatively, you can continue to pay a fixed charge, which stays the same no matter how much wastewater is discharged by your household or business.
Switching to a fixed/ volumetric wastewater charge:
- Read Watercare’s terms and conditions for raintank water metering.
- Get a quote for your Rain Tank Water before proceeding. Call us at Grouse Plumbing on 021 0663 802 for a free quote to supply and install your water meter.
- Once the meter is installed, complete Watercare’s Rain Tank Water Meter Application Form and send it to: Watercare Services Limited, Private Bag 94010, Auckland 2241 or via email to info@water.co.nz
- Once the application has been approved, Watercare will switch your wastewater charges from the fixed charge to the fixed/ volumetric charge.
Understanding Your New Wastewater Charges:
Watercare will send you a bill each month. They will alternate between actual readings and estimates based on past readings when calculating your bill.
Your new wastewater charges will be displayed in two parts –
- A volumetric charge based on the amount of water flowing through your water meter.
- A fixed charge, which is each household’s contribution to network maintenance.
The timing of your first fixed/volumetric bill will depend on when the meter reader is in your area following the approval of your application. In some cases, it may take up to two months for your first volumetric charges to appear on the bill. “Please note your bill totals may vary during the first few months as we gain sufficient information to accurately estimate your usage”.
To help you decide whether or not to go ahead with rain tank water metering, Watercare recommends that you first find out the cost of installation by contacting a Certified Plumber to get a quote. Before installing your rain tank meter, please read Watercare’s terms and conditions. The Watercare Q & A pamphlet is also very helpful.
Other things you need to consider:
– An Elster Kent water meter must be used
– Installing the meter in the correct location: Refer to Watercare’s installation.
Rainwater tanks and household plumbing are private systems on private property. Therefore the operation and maintenance of the water meter and your private plumbing network is your responsibility.
Enquire today about having a Rain Tank Water Meter installed to ensure you are only paying for your ‘actual’ waste water usage.
Contact us for your free, no-obligation quote.
