Why has my Hunterville water charge increased?

Council has a budget allocated for the water supply to urban water users in Hunterville. This budget is worked out on anticipating the volume of water needed for Hunterville for the year. The total is then broken down into the base rate per cubic metres - this is the amount which is billed to the users.

Over the last few years, the water use has decreased which has resulted in the scheme running at a loss.

The 50% increase for 2023/24 was needed to adjust the costs to meet the budget. The increase was in the rates resolution adopted by Council and in the Annual Plan document.

Residents who used a similar amount of water to the previous year would have noticed a slight increase in charges, whereas those who used more would have seen a larger increase in charges.

We acknowledge the communication and conversations with the Hunterville community needed to be better.

Council apologises that this information was not made clear to the Hunterville residents and encourages anyone who is struggling to pay for water or who has any concerns to contact our Customer Experience Team to discuss payment options.