Changes to water charges for properties on shared private networks

Council agreed to change how it charges properties on private pipe networks for bulk-supplied water. This means all properties receiving town supply water will be charged on the same basis.

At its meeting on Wednesday, Council approved adding a fee equivalent to the uniform annual water charge to each property on a private network supplied by Council. These properties will now pay the standard volumetric charge, replacing the bulk supply rate that previously applied.

The change affects about eight properties on the Burn Cottage supply in Cromwell (Burn Cottage and McFelin Roads) and six properties on the Padget’s supply in Alexandra (Earnscleugh Road, Padget’s Lane and Chapman Road). Both networks were connected under subdivision consents approved before 2009. Each network is privately owned and managed by a body corporate, and is billed through a single bulk meter.

The bulk supply rate was higher than the standard volumetric rate because properties on private networks do not pay the targeted water rate. This meant some properties paid more than urban properties using the same amount of water, while others paid less.

“The cost of supplying water has increased significantly over the past five years,” says Julie Muir, Group Manager – Three Waters. “These property owners also benefit from the major upgrades we have made to water infrastructure across the district. This change means they contribute to those costs on the same basis as everyone else connected to our supply.”

The new charges will apply retrospectively from 1 July 2025. Council staff will contact affected parties directly and work through the changes with them.

From 1 July 2027, Southern Waters will be responsible for water infrastructure and water charging.