On this page:
New water connections
There are two types of new water connections; one
is tapping into a reticulated pipe has already been done, with services piped up to the property boundary by the developer – connection here means supplying and installing the meter only. The other is to supply and install service pipe, meter and tapping into reticulated pipe.
If you wish to obtain a quote on a new water connection then please contact us.
Have your water meter disconnected
If you would like to have your water meter disconnected (i.e. if there is a water meter attached to the property but the household only uses tank water) it is necessary to have something in writing stating you would like the water meter disconnected, sent to the Water Services Team - Rodney District Council, Private Bag 500, Orewa. A fee of $352 applies.
Water leaks
To check for a water leak take a reading of the meter in the evening and another at daybreak, ensuring that no water is used overnight. An increase in the reading overnight indicates that water has passed through the meter, and that there is a water leak on your side of the meter, in which case you should contact a plumber.
If you wish to report a water main or pipe leak please contact us.
Bores and wells for safe household water
If your water comes from a bore or a well, these are things you need to know...
Water used for drinking, teeth-cleaning, hand-washing, bathing, showering, food preparation and cooking needs to be free from harmful germs and chemicals. So does drinking water for stock and pets.
Clear water does not always mean the water is safe. The only way to know if your groundwater is safe is through regular laboratory testing. The major sources of water supply contamination are:
- sewage pollution, including septic tanks
- animal faeces, especially if animals are within 10 metres of a bore-head
- fertilisers
For further information, please download the Ministry of Health brochure Secure Groundwater Bores and Wells for Safe Household Water. This brochure is also available from council customer centres.
Water prices
Your water rate account is based on consumption measured through your water meter. Water supply is charged for by multiplying the price per cubic meter (1000 litres) by the number of cubic meters of water used during your billing period.
Water is charged at $2.04 per cubic meter (m3) including GST in the HBC and $3.42 per cubic meter (m3) in the Rural & Townships.
Changes to mains water pressure
The Council is committed to improving water supply in Rodney. We are carrying out work to reduce water pressure in the public supplies where it is higher than it needs to be to provide an acceptable water supply. Water pressure affects the rate water flows from your taps.
Reducing the high pressures will have the following benefits:
- The water supply will be more efficient saving you money on water rates
- Water will flow from taps more evenly
- Plumbing fittings and fixtures will last longer
- There will be less risk of pipes breaking or leaking
For the council, reducing water pressure will mean:
- Less water being lost through leaks and breakages
- A longer lasting pipe network
- Less extensive and/or deferred upgrades to water treatment plants resulting in cost savings and fewer impacts on the environment
Who is affected?
Water pressure will only be lowered in areas where it is higher than it needs to be to provide an acceptable water supply. For most people the changes will go unnoticed.
Typically there is high water pressure in valleys and close to the sea. If your home has high water pressure, you may notice a small drop in pressure with water coming out of the tap slightly slower, but there should still be a good flow.
If your home is already on low pressure, you should not notice any change.
What about fire sprinkler systems?
Fire sprinkler systems are designed on the lowest available pressure, and therefore should not be affected. However, if you have a fire sprinkler system installed, please contact the Council..
What do I do if the water is flowing too slowly?
If your pressure seems to have dropped too much and water is flowing very slowly, please contact the Council.
What is water pressure?
Water pressure affects the rate water flows from your taps. If you are on mains water supply, water pressure will depend on where your house is located in relation to your local water reservoir. If your home is located on higher ground (closer to the reservoir) you will have lower water pressure or a slower flow. If you are located on lower ground (further away from the reservoir) you will have higher water pressure or a faster flow (see diagram below).
Water pressure also varies depending on demand. During peak times when people are using lots of water, the pressure will be slightly lower than at other times.
The ideal pressure range is between 25 and 60 metres. Pressures below 10 metres can result in an inadequate flow, while pressures above 60 metres will cause increased pipe breakages and leakage from pipe joints.
How will council reduce the water pressure?
Pressure reducing valves (PRVs) will be installed at certain points in the water supply pipe network. The following diagram shows the effect of pressure reducing valves.
When will this happen?
Work to reduce water pressure throughout the district started in Wellsford in early 2008, and will be carried out in Snells / Algies in early 2010. We will work our way around the other public supplies over the next few years.
How will I know when work will start in my area?
We will be communicating with affected parties via letters and local media. For more information, please contact us.