From 1 July 2026 the fees and charges for water services from our shareholder councils will be combined into one single IAWAI fees and charges schedule. This also includes what was water-related targeted rates.
Drinking water and wastewater fees and charges will be managed by IAWAI. Stormwater charges will stay as part of council rates.
Where possible, water and wastewater related fees based on hourly rates or for specific connection or consent related activities have been standardised, so Hamilton and Waikato customers are charged the same fees for the same activity or service.
Trade waste quantitative charges (volumetric and contaminant based) have increased by 15% reflecting significant changes in the operating costs for treatment plants. Overall, the changes are about bringing everything into one clear, consistent system across both council areas.
New growth charges
During our public consultation on the Water Services Strategy, almost 80% of respondents supported a ‘growth pays for growth’ approach for new development, moving some of the burden of growth costs from existing ratepayers.
As part of that wider plan, the strategy introduces a new charge on new dwellings as a contribution to the costs of growth.
The combined waters growth charge consists of a Water Supply Growth Charge of $200 per year and a Wastewater Growth Charge of $300 per year for new residential builds consented on or after 1 July 2026.
The combined charge of $500 for a new dwelling and $250 for a new secondary minor dwelling – or ‘granny flat’ – will be applied to the property as an ongoing annual charge for 25 years from the time building is complete.
- Proposed waters growth charges for non-residential developments will not be applied this year.
- Waters growth charges for new papakaainga housing will be waived in the first year.
- IAWAI will further engage with relevant stakeholders and consider the above matters before next year’s Water Services Strategy consultation.
Growth charges only apply to new buildings where the consent application is lodged on or after 1 July 2026, or in relation to connections required for consent-exempt buildings on or after 1 July 2026. Where redevelopment occurs the growth charges only apply to the net increase in demand.
Schedule of fees and charges
Each year IAWAI sets its confirmed schedule of fees and charges.
In line with the Water Services Strategy, the Schedule looks to confirm consistent charging across the IAWAI service area. Currently the two councils each have their own fees and charges schedule. Where possible, water and wastewater fees based on hourly rates for specific connection or consenting activities have been standardized. In some cases, this has meant larger increases for some charges.
Trade waste quantitative charges (volumetric and contaminant based) have increased by 15% reflecting significant changes in the operating costs for treatment plants.
Water charges and rates
Your Council services and your water services are now delivered by different organisations.
From 1 July 2026, your drinking water and wastewater services are delivered by IAWAI – Flowing Waters Ltd. IAWAI is a company 100% owned by Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council to deliver water services more efficiently than councils can on their own.
Water and wastewater costs are no longer in your council rates, and IAWAI’s water charges are shown separately so it’s clear what you’re paying for.
As a ratepayer in each Council area there may be some changes in how your rates bills and water bills look, but we have tried to make it as seamless as possible through this change.