Water meters are fitted to some properties in township areas, normally on larger sections, or commercial water users. Meters are read in February, May, August and November of each year. Some high volume users have their meters read "volume used invoiced monthly". This particular service is available on application to the Utilities Manager.

Water Rates

Central Hawke's Bay water charges are increasing.

For the year 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012 the cost of one cubic meter of water is $1.36 including GST

The first 300m³ (300,000 litres) will be included as part of your water rates.  If you use less than 300m³ per year, your water rates will cover all costs and there will be no further charges.  If you use more than 300m3, you will be invoiced on a user-pays basis at the rate of $1.36 / m3 (including GST).

[The threshold of 300m³ per year is set above the volume of water an average Central Hawke's Bay household would use in a year - 274 m³ / year as per the Ministry of Health guidelines.]

• If your property has a water meter please keep an eye on the amount of water that you use, because the property owner is responsible for all of the water that goes through the water meter.

• We recommend that you read your water regularly, as a guide normal household usage should be about 25 m³ of water per month, but activities like irrigating the garden can dramatically increase your water usage as can leaky pipes, taps and stock troughs.

• If you suspect you have a leak; a quick check is to turn off all of your taps and look at the meter. If the meter is still moving you may have a leak, contact your plumber to get the leak fixed.

If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to either e-mail the Utilities Manager, Brett Way or phone him on +64 6 857 8060