Water charges

All water connections in Nelson are metered. The charging regime is the same for both residential and commercial users. Charges include GST. Water charges are not included in your property rates bill. However, they are levied as a rate under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.

  1. Encourage conservation of water.
  2. Be fair to residential and commercial water users.
  3. Recognise the opportunity and fire fighting value of the water supply system and ensure all consumers, including empty sections and houses, pay their fair share of the operating costs.

The water account is self funding. This means that water sales must pay for the costs of providing water. Most of the costs for supplying water to the community are fixed (around 90%). The basis for calculating water charges was set by Council on the recommendation of a working party (including Council, business and community representatives).

When will you receive your water bill?

Residential water bills are sent out in October/November and April/May.

Commercial water bills are sent out either quarterly or monthly.

Daily line charge

The daily line change is (including GST) as at 1 July 2011 is $187.17 pa which is $0.5128 per day. There is no free allowance.

Residential, commercial and industrial

Cost per cubic metre (GST inclusive)
Quantity Price from
1 July 2011
0-10,000 cu m per year $1.862
10,001- 100,000 cu m per year $1.507
> 100,000 cu m per year $1.189
summer irrigation usage for consumption over 10,000 m3 per year $1.684

Shipping

All usage : $1.862 per m3 from 1 July 2011.

Other charges

Other charges
Charge Price from
1 July 2011
Special reading  $25.50
Installation of a Restrictor (cost includes subsequent re-establishment of supply)  $112
Permanent Disconnection Application Fee  $214
Connection Application Fee:  
< 50mm dia  $112
> 50mm dia  $214
Hydrant Supply Application Fee  $127
Registration to draw water from bulk filling point (annual fee)  $127
Bulk filling point supply (minimum volume 100 m3 per year)  $1,862 per m3

Unpaid Metered Water Rates

Council will impose a ten per cent penalty on all metered water rates that remain unpaid following the last date for payment.

Water meter reading

The residential water meters are read between April and June and between October and December each year. Our contractors may be reading seven days a week during these periods and will be identified by dayglo jackets and name tags.

Please ensure your water meter box is clear and accessible for the meter readers.