Why do I pay both an Urban Water Supply rate and metered water charges?

The Urban Water Supply charge is a targeted rate that funds the operation, maintenance, and renewal of Council’s water supply infrastructure.

The metered water charge is based on your actual water usage, including indoor use (e.g. showers, toilets, kitchen, laundry) and outdoor use (e.g. garden watering, irrigation, pools/spas).

Why do I pay a Minimum Water Supply charge when I have my own bore or well?

If your property is within a serviceable area of a Council water scheme, you may be charged a Minimum Water Supply rate, even if not connected.

This applies to Separately Used or Inhabited Parts (SUIPs) of a rating unit and reflects the availability of Council water services nearby. The charge helps fund the infrastructure that enables future connection and supports district-wide water service delivery.

Why do I pay a Minimum Water Supply charge when I already pay for restricted water units?

The Minimum Water Supply charge is a targeted rate for maintaining the water scheme infrastructure.

The Restricted Water Supply charge covers the cost of the water units allocated to your property and your actual water usage.

Both charges apply to ensure fair contribution to the network and service provision.

What should I do if I notice a water leak?

Call Selwyn District Council Customer Services on 0800 735 996 (available after hours).

Council will assess whether the leak is on public infrastructure or private property.

  • Council-side leaks will be repaired by Council.
  • Private-side leaks are the property owner’s responsibility. You’ll need to engage a registered plumber or drainlayer, at your cost.

Why is my water bill higher than last year?

Check for leaks by turning off all water sources and observing your water meter (located in the blue toby box at your boundary).

  • If the dial is moving, there may be a leak. Contact Council Customer Services (0800 735 996) for advice.
  • If the dial is not moving, the invoice is likely accurate, and payment is required.

Why do I have a water usage invoice when there’s no building or dwelling?

Water charges can still apply even if there’s no house or building on your property. This is because charges are based on property location and service availability, not just usage.

If the property is within a serviceable area, targeted rates such as the Urban Water Supply or Minimum Water Supply charge may apply. Council’s water charges are designed to ensure all properties that benefit from the availability of water infrastructure contribute fairly to its upkeep.

This approach supports long-term investment in water services, as outlined in the Annual Plan 2025/26 and Long-Term Plan 2024–2034, which prioritise maintaining essential infrastructure for a growing district.

Can I get my water invoice reversed after repairing a private leak?

If the leak occurred on your side of the water meter, such as in your house, garden, or private pipework, you are responsible for the water loss and the charges on your invoice.

The water was supplied and measured through your meter. This aligns with Council’s water charging policies and helps ensure fairness across all users.

If the leak is proven to be caused by Council infrastructure (for example, a faulty meter or a leak on the public side of the toby box), Council can review the situation, with full details provided.

Why am I charged a sewer rate when I have a private on-site wastewater/septic system?

Properties within a serviceable area of the Council’s sewerage scheme may be charged a targeted rate at 50% of the full rate, even if not connected. This reflects the availability of the service and supports ongoing infrastructure maintenance and future development, ensuring it remains accessible for connection.

Under Environment Canterbury Regional Council’s rules, if a reticulated sewerage system is available (i.e. a sewer pipeline passes within 50 metres of your property boundary and a connection is feasible), you may be required to connect to it. Reticulated systems are considered more sustainable and protective of water quality and public health, than on-site systems like septic tanks.

Why do I pay a Water Race Amenity charge when I don’t have a water race?

The Water Race Amenity charge applies to properties that don’t have direct access to the water race network but are located within the wider serviced area.

This charge helps fund the maintenance and management of Selwyn’s water race infrastructure, which provides broader environmental and community benefits such as supporting biodiversity, landscape values, and rural fire protection.

Why am I charged a stormwater rate when I use a private soak pit?

If your property is within a township and/or stormwater management area, you may be charged a stormwater rate even if you use a private soak pit.

This charge helps fund Council’s stormwater network, which manages runoff from roads, roofs, and other hard surfaces. It supports things like pipes, swales, soak holes, and wetlands, and helps Council meet environmental rules under a district-wide Global Stormwater Consent.

Does Council reimburse for private wastewater blocks or leaks?

No, Council does not reimburse for blockages or leaks that occur on the private side of the wastewater system.

Under the Wastewater Drainage Bylaw 2021, property owners are responsible for maintaining their private sewer laterals, which includes the pipe from the dwelling to the point where it connects with the public sewer main.

Council maintains the public wastewater network up to the point of service connection. Any issues beyond that point, such as tree root intrusion, grease build-up, or pipe failure on private laterals must be resolved by the property owner.