Water metering in a rural district

The Western Bay of Plenty District is one of the fastest growing areas in New Zealand with its current population of just over 45,400 people estimated to reach 60,268 by 2026. Of the 19,500 properties within the district, 14,050 are connected to Council’s 660kms of water mains.

Currently water meters are installed to approximately 4,200 industrial businesses, commercial business properties or rural properties greater than 5000m2 . Domestic properties are generally not metered, however this is changing.

For Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s water supply, the past decade has been a journey of transition from surface water supplies to secure ground water supplies and water grading of Bb or better.

As a Water Supply Authority, there are many drivers at national, regional and local levels that give direction to Council for the conservation, use and sustainable management of drinking water for current and future generations.

Councils recently introduced Water Conservation Strategy includes measures help provide a better security of supply and plan for future growth demands. These benefits have a wider regional impact on social, cultural, economic and environmental outcomes.

Water metering is the single most significant demand conservation initiative identified due to its far reaching effect and the range of conservation measures it can address.

This report will include water metering initiatives and benefits that are specific to our district and Councils direction to phase in district wide water metering by 2018 to secure water supplies for current and future generations.