Water Supply Cost Shock on the Way for Most New Zealanders

Most pipes for both drinking water and stormwater are past their expected lifespan of 32 years, with many aged 50 years or older.

A burst pipe leaking drinking water in a street in Wellington, which has hundreds of kilometres of pipes that need replacing. Courtesy Wellington Water.

Very few towns and cities in New Zealand have installed water meters and bill separately for drinking water, stormwater and sewage, instead rolling the cost into a single rate covering all council services.

A s a result, New Zealand local authorities have been underspending on water and wastewater infrastructure for decades. That means most pipes for both drinking water and stormwater are past their expected lifespan of 32 years, with many aged 50 years or older.