Very few towns and cities in New Zealand have installed water meters and bill separately for drinking water, stormwater and sewage, instead rolling the cost into a single rate covering all council services.
A s a result, New Zealand local authorities have been underspending on water and wastewater infrastructure for decades. That means most pipes for both drinking water and stormwater are past their expected lifespan of 32 years, with many aged 50 years or older.
For instance, the nation’s capital, Wellington, is one of the worst hit by this phenomenon, with expert reports estimating that it has 237 kilometres of pipes in “very poor” condition and 653 kilometres in “poor” condition. The city has become infamous for the geysers of drinking water, pumped under pressure, which will erupt from underneath its roads….
Water Supply Cost Shock on the Way for Most New Zealanders
