Residents of the Hibiscus Coast will see an increase in their water bills starting July 1, 2024.

Watercare has announced that water and wastewater service charges will rise by 7.2 percent, translating to an additional $8.08 per month for households with average water usage.

The price hike is deemed necessary to ensure the continued provision of safe and reliable water and wastewater services.

Watercare emphasises that all revenue collected is reinvested into operating, maintaining, and expanding the water infrastructure.

The organisation does not aim to generate profit or pay dividends to its shareholder, Auckland Council.

For water services, the volumetric charge will be set at $2.142 per 1,000 litres, including GST.

Wastewater services will see varied charges based on whether customers have metered water supplies.

For those with meters, the fixed annual charge per meter will be $310, including GST, and the volumetric charge will be $3.726 per 1,000 litres.

Customers without a metered supply but connected to the wastewater network will face a fixed annual charge of $952, including GST.

"Landlords who pay their fixed wastewater charge as a lump sum in July will see this price change applied to their next bill," a Watercare spokesperson noted.

"It’s important that tenants are aware of this change, especially if they have set up recurring payments."

In addition to the rate changes, infrastructure growth charges (IGCs) will also increase by 14.4 percent.

This adjustment means that a water and wastewater IGC for customers in metropolitan Auckland will amount to $21,174.95, including GST.

IGCs are one-time fees imposed on customers requiring a new connection or businesses increasing their property’s demand for water and wastewater services.

Watercare will also introduce a new flat fee of $85 for the property transfer service, effective from July 1, 2024.

This fee will cover the final water meter reading, issuing the final bill, and transferring ownership.

Previously, the charge for the final meter reading alone was $31.05.

The updated fee structure aims to reflect the actual cost of providing these services and aligns more closely with the fees charged by other councils nationwide.

The new rate will apply to any final meter readings completed after July 1, regardless of the booking date.

Local residents and businesses are advised to prepare for these changes and adjust their budgets accordingly to accommodate the increased charges.

Watercare says they remain committed to maintaining high standards in water and wastewater service delivery despite the price adjustments.