Water charges

All water connections in Nelson are metered. The charging regime is the same for both residential and commercial users. Charges include GST.

Water charges are made in two parts – There is an annual charge payable for each connection plus a charge for the volume of water supplied to the connection.

The Water Annual charge of $251.66 including GST is included in your property rates bill. Water charges are levied as a rate under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.

  1. Encourage conservation of water.
  2. Be fair to residential and commercial water users.
  3. Recognise the opportunity and firefighting value of the water supply system and ensure all consumers, including empty sections and houses, pay their fair share of the operating costs.

The water account is self-funding. This means that water sales must pay for the costs of providing water. Most of the costs for supplying water to the community are fixed (around 90%). The basis for calculating water charges was set by Council on the recommendation of a working party (including Council, business and community representatives).

When will you receive your water bill?

Water volumetric rates are payable at the Nelson City Council office, 110 Trafalgar Street, Nelson and shall be payable on the following dates:

Billing Month Last Date for Payment
July 2024 20 August 2024
August 2024 20 September 2024
September 2024 21 October 2024
October 2024 20 November 2024
November 2024 20 December 2024
December 2024 20 January 2025
January 2025 20 February 2025
February 2025 20 March 2025
March 2025 21 April 2025
April 2025 20 May 2025
May 2025 20 June 2025
June 2025 21 July 2025

Special (final) water volumetric rates will be invoiced after the requested meter reading, and payable on the 20th of the month following.

Water fees and charges

Visit our Fees and Charges page for information on water charges.

Water meter reading

The residential water meters are read between April and June and between October and December each year. Our contractors may be reading seven days a week during these periods and will be identified by dayglo jackets and name tags.

Please ensure your water meter box is clear and accessible for the meter readers.

Water connection / disconnection / alteration

For connection or disconnection to the water network you can download and complete an application for water connection/disconnection/alteration form (397KB PDF).

Use of Fire Hydrants

To apply to use a fire hydrant to take water, you can download and complete a Fire Hydrant Usage Application form (210KB PDF).

Completed forms should be returned to the Customer Services Centre, Civic House, 110 Trafalgar Street, Nelson or sent via email to enquiries@ncc.govt.nz