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Watercare is increasing its charges for water and wastewater services by 7.2 per cent from the beginning of July.
It says from July 1, the price of 1000 litres of water will jump from $2.296 to $2.46.
The price for 1000 litres of wastewater is rising from $3.994 to $4.28, and the fixed wastewater charge goes up from $332 to $355.90 per meter each year.
Watercare estimates for the average Auckland household paying around $120 a month, the price increases equate to about $2 more a week.
“Watercare has confirmed pricing changes for the next 12 months as it continues to deliver one of Auckland’s largest infrastructure investment programmes to support growth, resilience and reliable services for the region,” it says.
“From July 1, water and wastewater prices will increase by 7.2 per cent to support this programme and ensure safe, consistent service delivery.
“This change was previously signalled under Watercare’s new regulated funding framework, introduced following its financial separation from Auckland Council.
“The framework provides greater certainty for long-term investment while providing more stable prices for customers over time.
“Every day, Aucklanders rely on water and wastewater services that are largely out of sight but essential to daily life,” says Watercare.
“Behind every shower, school, hospital and business is a vast network of pipes, pump stations, treatment plants, reservoirs, technology, and people working to keep the city running.”
Over the next decade, Watercare says it’s investing $13.8 billion to improve and expand Auckland’s water and wastewater infrastructure – equivalent to about $3.8 million a day.
“Water and wastewater services are critical to how Auckland functions,” says Watercare chief financial officer Angela Neeson.
“While much of this infrastructure is underground and largely unseen, the outcomes are highly visible.
“Auckland’s network must keep evolving to support growth, replace ageing pipes and assets, strengthen resilience and reduce environmental impacts.
“While we recognise that cost pressures are challenging for many households, this investment is about making sure we have the capacity and reliability needed for today and future generations.”
Around half of Watercare’s investment programme is dedicated to expanding the water and wastewater networks to support a growing Auckland, it says.
The other half is focused on renewing and upgrading existing assets.
Neeson says Watercare is improving how it plans and delivers infrastructure, ensuring investment is targeted where it’s needed most.
“This investment is being delivered through a large, coordinated programme of work across Auckland.
“It includes a significant renewals programme to replace ageing pipes, treatment plants and critical network assets, improve resilience, to help clean up our beaches and support growth.”
Watercare has also confirmed its Infrastructure Growth Charge (IGC) will increase by 20 per cent from July 1.
It says it’s the minimum increase required under its regulatory settings.
The IGC is a one-off fee paid when new developments connect to the water and wastewater network.
The IGCs help fund the bulk infrastructure needed to accommodate demand, including new transmission pipes, pump stations, reservoirs and treatment capacity.
“Delivering smarter for Auckland today and tomorrow means planning ahead in a way that’s fair and sustainable,” Neeson says.
“Our approach helps to ensure growth pays for growth and protects existing customers from carrying the full cost of expanding the network.”
Watercare says IGC rates vary across Auckland, but for the metropolitan area, which includes the majority of IGC customers, the price increase is about $4250 unit excluding GST.
Since becoming financially separate from the council last July, Watercare says it’s been directly responsible for funding and delivering Auckland’s water infrastructure investment programme.
The Watercare Charter, introduced by the Government in 2025, sets the framework for pricing, service quality, transparency and reporting while longer-term economic regulation is developed.
- For more information on residential water and wastewater charges, see: https://www.watercare.co.nz/residents/accounts/how-residential-charges-work
- For more information on the IGC, see: https://www.watercare.co.nz/builders-and-developers/tools-fees-and-resources/infrastructure-growth-charge
