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Water Meters

Our goal: saving water and money

Water conservation is the best thing we can do to ensure the health of our rivers and the environment.

We’re working to have water meters for all 28,500 homes in our district by the end of 2025 as our district is one of the thirstiest places in Aotearoa. On average we use 304 litres per person per day, up to 60 per cent more water than places of a similar size and make-up.

That demand puts an extra strain on the district’s 800km of ageing drinking water pipes, which are more than 100 years old in some places and literally bursting.

Reducing the demand lessens the need to spend money on treatment plants, pipes and reservoirs.

Water meters encourage responsible water use and can also help identify leaks on private properties. Some leaks might be hidden underground, causing erosion and damage to properties. Leaks left unfixed cost everyone more. They waste treated water and by fixing them, we can delay costly upgrades to infrastructure like installing bigger pipes.

Currently there is fixed charge, regardless of the amount you use, for your water supply. This is paid through your rates bill  $676 this year. With water meters, you will eventually pay for the amount of water you use. (The water portion in your rates bill will be removed.)

Page last updated: 03:32pm Fri 14 November 2025

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06 759 6060 enquiries@npdc.govt.nz
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84 Liardet Street
New Plymouth

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