Water Accounts

Your water use is measured by a meter at your property, and you're invoiced for what you use every four months (approximately). This is your volumetric charge.

Central Otago has a dry climate and high water demand – in fact, 8% of connections account for 43% of all water used across the district. Volumetric charging means the cost of that water use falls on those who use it most, rather than being spread equally across all connections through a higher fixed charge. It's a fairer system, and it encourages everyone to be a bit more mindful about water use.

Water is funded on a cost-recovery basis only so you pay only what it costs us to operate and maintain the water supply.

Volumetric water charging was introduced across the district on 1 July 2012.

$2.40 buys you 1,000 litres of clean, safe water – delivered straight to your tap.

That's one cubic metre, and it goes further than you might think:

• 4,000 cups of tea
• 6 full baths
• 11 loads of washing
• 20 five-minute showers
• 100 toilet flushes

Not bad for $2.40.

Water is precious – let's use it wisely. Visit our water-saving tips page.

If your invoice is higher than expected, here are a few things worth checking before contacting us:

1. Compare it to the same period in previous years. Usage naturally varies through the year – summer bills are often higher due to garden and lawn watering. Keep in mind that volumetric charges have increased from 1 July 2026, so some increase on last year's invoice is expected.
2. Check your meter for leaks. A running toilet or dripping tap can add up quickly. Instructions for reading your meter are in the Water Leaks section below.
   

If you need copies of past invoices, help locating your meter, or have any other questions, please email: water.rates@codc.govt.nz or call us on 03 440 0056.

If you have a query about your account, please get in touch before the due date shown on your invoice to make sure it's sorted in time.

Payment options

• In person: Cash or eftpos at any CODC Service Centre
• By post: Central Otago District Council, PO Box 122, Alexandra 9320
• Internet banking: Account 02 0916 0081744 00. Use your five-digit water account number as the reference – not your valuation number.
• Direct debit: Payment is debited automatically on the due date, so you don't need to remember to pay your invoice manually. Set one up here, or if you already have a rates direct debit, call us on 03 440 0056 or email water.rates@codc.govt.nz to add your water account to it. Direct debits are set up for the full balance on the due date only – if you would like to a weekly or fortnightly payment arrangement, get in touch with us and we can discuss the best option.
• Automatic payment: Use account 02 0916 0081744 00 with your five-digit water account number as the reference. You set the amount, frequency, and payment date to suit your budget.

If you're finding it hard to meet a payment, please call us before the due date and we'll help work something out.

A 10% penalty applies to any unpaid balance over $10 after the due date.

If you're selling your property, your lawyer will need to request a final water meter read from us.

Water usage must be settled on sale, along with your general rates.

We carry out in-person final reads once a week, on Wednesdays, and need at least five working days' notice to book one. The read must be completed on or before settlement day, and a $51.13 fee applies. If you'd prefer to do a self-read, that's fine too – and there's no charge.

Please note we don't provide final reads for changes of tenant.

To book a final read or if you have any questions, email water.rates@codc.govt.nz.

Water accounts are sent to the property owner at the same address as your rates – they can't be sent to a tenant, occupier, or a separate address. Our water database is linked directly to your rating details, so any change of address needs to be updated with us.

The property owner is responsible for payment.