Wellington may be next city to charge for water

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Sun, 25 Oct 2009 4:21p.m.

By Dan Parker

They already charge for it in many cities and towns in the top half of the North Island, but paying for water could soon be a reality for many other parts of the country.

Wellington is the latest city to ponder installing meters and charging water rates in a bid to help conserve the resource.

But the plan already has many opponents.

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28 Oct 2009 12:19a.m.

Celia Wade-Brown wrote:

The TV News snippet was very short and I'd like toreassue people that we are NOT proposing water meters before other conservation measures!

Wellington City Councillors agreed at a Strategy and Policy Committee meeting to encourage water saving initiatives for the city in order to delay, permanently if possible, the introduction of domestic water meters or construction of a dam.

Wellington City Council will carry out a public consultation next year on a draft water conservation plan which is currently being developed.

The Council's Environment Portfolio Leader, Councillor Celia Wade-Brown, says the main aim of this draft water conservation plan is to find out more about how Wellingtonians feel about managing water usage and conservation while recognising continuing population growth.

"The idea of having metered charges for such an essential resource has alarmed some Wellington residents - particularly those on low incomes.

"There have also been concerns at the Council about the cost to ratepayers of both installing and maintaining meters," she says.

Councillors were unanimous that meters are not part of the next phase of water conservation.

27 Oct 2009 03:40a.m.

Earl Schuh wrote:

Is water free ? Most places in the states have meters, unless you have your own well. Some cities, if city water is available, close up your private well, condemning it. I live in the country and have my own well, no meter.