Watercare confirms pricing changes from 1 July

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.

Every day, Aucklanders rely on water and wastewater services that are largely out of sight but essential to daily life. 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 will invest $13.8 billion to improve and expand Auckland’s water and wastewater infrastructure - equivalent to around $3.8 million per day.

From 1 July, water and wastewater prices will increase by 7.2 per cent to support this programme and ensure safe, consistent service delivery. For the average Auckland household currently paying around $120 per month, this equates to an increase of about $2 per week.

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.

“Water and wastewater services are critical to how Auckland functions. While much of this infrastructure is underground and largely unseen, the outcomes are highly visible,” Watercare chief financial officer Angela Neeson says.

“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. The other half is focused on renewing and upgrading existing assets.

Neeson says the organisation 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, including 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.”

Infrastructure Growth Charges

Watercare has also confirmed its Infrastructure Growth Charges (IGC) will increase by 20 per cent from 1 July. This is the minimum increase required under Watercare’s current regulatory settings.

IGCs are one-off fees paid when new developments connect to the water and wastewater network. They 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 is 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.”