Your supply
Most properties in the Kāpiti District have water meters, and are charged for the water they use. The exceptions are properties with private supply (such as water tanks or private bores) rather than town supply.
Water rates help pay for water collection and treatment facilities, our water supply network (eg, fixing, upgrading and replacing pipes) and water conservation measures.
Why meters?
Meters encourage people to use water wisely, and are a fairer way of sharing the cost of water, because those who use less pay less (that is, those who use less water don’t subsidise high water users). Water consumption across the Kāpiti Coast District has reduced by more than 26 percent since water meters were introduced in July 2014.
Reducing demand means less water needs to be treated, which saves money, and has a big impact longer term on how much money needs to be spent on new treatment plants, pipes and reservoirs. This adds up to big savings for the whole community.
Council approved the introduction of water meters and volumetric charging to:
- help conserve water
- avoid breaching resource consents
- avoid unnecessary investment in water supply infrastructure
- achieve a greater equity in what people pay for water services.
Find out more about water meters and how to read your meter in Metering.
Water charges
Water charges pay for capturing and treating water, pumping it to your house or business, and maintaining our water supply network (including upgrading/renewing pipes and pumps). All water charged is used for water services; if there’s a surplus of water charges at any time, these will be kept aside for future water service use. See the current charges at Water and wastewater charges.
Since Kāpiti started charging for water, average water use has reduced by more than 26 percent. This is because people can see how much water they’re using, and there is a value associated with that.
Meters have also detected hundreds of leaks on private pipes around the district. Fixing these has meant millions of litres of water are no longer being wasted.
How are water rates charges calculated?
Kāpiti’s metering and water charging system was introduced on 1 July 2014.
Water is charged at:
- 50% fixed charge
- 50% volumetric charge for water use.
The current rates are outlined at Water and wastewater charges. You can read your meter and estimate your own usage and costs.
There is no 'free' allowance of water in the annual fixed charge, and the charge applies to each separately used part of a rating unit (ie, a home and a granny flat will be charged the annual charge separately).
Getting connected
To apply for a new water connection, you’ll need to complete a Water Supply Connection[PDF 241 KB] form (available from Council service centres) and send it to us for processing.
There’s no application fee to have your application form assessed. And installing a new connection will vary from site to site, so are estimated on a case by case basis.
If the new connection is approved, Council will give the applicant the cost estimates. Only actual installation costs are charged to the applicant when the installation work is completed.
Changing or disconnecting your water supply
If you’re having a building demolished, or need a change to your property’s existing water connection, you’ll need to complete a Water supply connection/alteration form 159[PDF 241 KB], and send us the completed form.
Problems with your supply
No water
If you have a Council water supply, and there’s no water when you turn on the tap, contact us.
If you’re on a cross-lease property, it’s possible a neighbour has turned the water off to do some repairs, and forgotten to let you know – check with them before contacting Council.
Low water pressure
If your water pressure is low, and you have town supply water, contact us. It’s helpful if you can let us know over what time period you’ve noticed a drop in water pressure.
If you have a supply tank on your roof, contact a plumber.
Water taste and odour
Tap water supplied by the Kāpiti Coast District Council is safe to drink. We will issue a Boil Water notice if there is any action you need to take.
The Ministry of Health recommends flushing a mug of water from your tap each morning before use, as the water in the pipes may have dissolved or absorbed small amounts of substances from your plumbing overnight.
If you’re concerned about the taste or odour of your water, you could try flushing your property. This moves all the water sitting in your pipes and replaces it with the fresh water from the main in your street.
Stage one of best practice flushing involves:
- running your outside taps for at least ten minutes at full volume – the increased velocity will flush the pipe from the main to your house
- turn off your outside taps and check the water for clarity and taste
If you’re happy with the water entering your property, go to stage two.
Stage 2 starts with the cold water tap furthest from your kitchen tap:
- turn on it on for around a minute then turn off and move to the next furthest cold water tap; repeat
- continue this process, including the bath, shower, hand basin, toilets, and laundry etc, and finish with the cold water tap in your kitchen.
Finally, you could also try chilling your tap water in the fridge before drinking it – it just tastes better!