What happens if my water rates payment is overdue?
You’ll receive an overdue reminder if your water rates are unpaid four weeks after their due date. If you can’t pay your invoice, please contact our team to discuss your situation.
Residential water rates
Residential properties are not currently metered in Hamilton. The cost of providing the city’s water services is built into your general rates, based on a few factors including the value of your property.
Non-residential water rates
Most non-residential properties are metered and pay water rates based on the meter reading. These water rates are invoiced separately to general rates.
Invoices are sent every three months based on meter reads. Some high-water users are invoiced monthly.
Water rates are the responsibility of the property owner. If you have a tenant in your property, it will be your responsibility to on-charge in line with your tenancy agreement.
If you have a property on a unit title, you may share a meter with other users in the block. You will have a private arrangement between the property owners on how these costs will be shared.
Special water meter read requests
If you’re selling your property, please email us to book in a special meter read. This will make sure that all water rates due will be read and billed at settlement day.
Request a special reading here
Step 1: YOU
We'll send your invoice
For non-residential water rates, you’ll receive your invoice via email or mail three to four weeks before it is due.
You can let us know your preference for paper or email invoices by contacting us by email or phone.
Step 2: YOU
Pay your water rates
You can pay your water rates either by manual bank transfer, or via direct debit from an account. Details are found on your invoice and are personalised to your account.
Direct debits are processed on the last day of the month.
You’ll need to include your water rates reference number, which can be found at the top of your water rates notice assessment.
For manual online banking payments, follow the instructions written on the invoice, and be sure to include your water rates reference number, and state the payment is for water rates.
Pay in person
260 Anglesea StHamilton, 3240
Request to set up direct debit for water rates
Frequently asked questions
Why have I received an overdue water rates notice when I have already paid?
This can often be because when you paid, you may have just quoted “rates”, rather than “water rates” on the payment transfer. If this is the case, the payment credit is likely to be on your rates account. Contact our team to find out what your account issue is, and we’ll be happy to help you resolve it.
Can I get my water rates invoice sent by email?
Yes! You can call or visit us, complete our online form or email hccwatermeters@hcc.govt.nz. Have a copy of your current water rates invoice handy. We will ask you for your assessment number (it is located on the top right of your invoice).
Who do I contact if I have a query about my invoice?
Call or visit our main offices, or you can email the water revenue team at hccwatermeters@hcc.govt.nz. Have a copy of your invoice handy. We will ask you for your assessment number (it is located on the top right of your invoice).
How do I pay my water rates?
Details on how to pay water rates are here.
How do I set up direct debit?
Request to set up direct debit for water rates here.
What is a water rates Assessment Number?
A water rates Assessment Number is assigned to your metered water connection. You can find this number at the top right of your invoice. Most of the time the water rates assessment number is the same as your general rates number.
You need this number when paying your account and when contacting us about your account.
Who is responsible for fixing a water leak?
Council supplies and is responsible for the water pipes to the point of supply. For metered properties the point of supply is the outlet of the meter fitting closest to your private pipe. A rule of thumb is if the leak is causing the meter to show higher use, then the leak is private (your responsibility to fix).
If you see a leak on public land (Council side of the point of supply) please report it here.
Why is my bill higher than normal?
You might be using more water than usual if you have increased garden watering or property maintenance (e.g. water blasting).
Or, you might have a leak. Look for dripping taps, leaking hot water cylinder, toilets constantly filling, and engage a licensed plumber to repair if necessary. The leak could be below ground and not obvious. If you find a leak and repair it within one month, please contact us at hccwatermeters@hcc.govt.nz because you may be eligible for water rates remission.
For water saving tips, visit https://www.smartwater.org.nz/.
What is a minimum charge?
There is still a cost to Council to read and maintain meters and make water available for use. Your invoice will show a minimum charge if you are using 60kL (60,000 litres) or less water every three months.
If your property is vacant and you don’t want to pay the minimum charge you will need to apply to have your water supply permanently disconnected.
Why are you estimating the meter read?
Sometimes a meter stops or slows down and doesn’t correctly show how much water has been used. When this happens we need to investigate and then repair or replace the meter as required. Over this period we estimate your water use in accordance with our Water Supply Bylaw. For most properties the estimate is based on your average water use over the last year. For example, if you used 400kL over the last year, we would estimate your quarterly use at 400/4 = 100kL and invoice on that basis.
What are some ideas to reduce my water use?
Visit Smart Water for tips on wise water use https://www.smartwater.org.nz/
Why am I getting a low or zero consumption letter?
Using little or no water over the three-month period can be a sign that the meter is not working correctly. But it might also be that the property is now vacant or undergoing development.
When there is little or no water use registered on the meter, we may send you a letter or email asking you to let us know whether there have been any changes on the property that has significantly reduced water use.
Can I get my invoice sent direct to my tenant?
No. Our accounts are set up under the legal property owner’s name. As the property owner, you are responsible for water rates incurred at your property. If you have multiple tenants supplied from the same meter, you are still responsible for paying the water rates. You will have your own arrangements with the tenants to share the costs of payment.
What about shared water meters?
In some situations, two or more property owners share the same water meter. Council can only invoice one property owner for water rates and that property owner will be responsible for paying the rates to Council. There will be a private shared arrangement between the property owners as to how those costs are shared between the parties.
If you have a shared meter arrangement and you want your own individual metered connection, click the Apply button here.
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Last updated 3 June 2025