Tough decisions to make on water charges

From City Scene, published on 4 May, 2008

We want your feedback on Auckland City Council's Draft Annual Plan 2008/2009 to help us make some tough decisions about projects and rates for the coming year. One issue we want your feedback on is what you think about the price you pay for water.

There are different pressures on water prices, such as the cost of wholesale water and the need to fund improvements to water infrastructure. We need to balance these costs with what people think is a reasonable price to pay for water.

Some of the money Metrowater receives is given to the council to pay for much-needed improvements to the stormwater system. These payments affect water prices, so we have proposed three options for the payment into the future - continuing it, removing it over time or cancelling the payments now.

We want to know your views on the best way to keep water prices affordable.

You can provide feedback online or use the form in the draft annual plan summary distributed with your 20 April City Scene, or request a copy by phoning 379 2020. Or you can attend one of the stakeholder public meetings that the council is hosting.