Water Meter Pilot

What you need to know

Government has set a five-year transition to move away from rates-based charging for water.
We’re testing the use of water meters by running a pilot with 200 voluntary Hamilton East households.
The pilot is all about testing and learning. Before committing to a city-wide roll-out, we want complete confidence in the process, the technology, the benefits, and the costs.

200 Hamilton East households confirmed on water meter pilot

200 households have now been confirmed for the Water Meter Pilot. A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered to take part - your support is helping us shape the future of water management in Hamilton.

The pilot officially kicks off in February 2026, and we’ll keep participants and the wider community updated as the project progresses.

IAWAI – Flowing Waters, the new waters company for Hamilton city and Waikato district, is taking its first step toward exploring the benefits of residential water metering. The Government strongly supports water meters and has set a five-year transition period for councils to move away from charging for water services through property value-based rates.

The pilot will test how meters are installed, how they work, and how customers can track their water use.

While universal metered charging for water would be some years away, this trial is about testing and learning. Households on the pilot will not pay any extra charges – instead, they’ll get early access to water-use information and the opportunity to share feedback on the technology and experience.

Households on the pilot will also be able to book in time with a water conservation advisor to look at how they may be able to make small changes to reduce their water use. A plumber will also be available to assess possible leaks on private property and support households to get these fixed.

Hamilton City Council has already funded this investigation through its 2025/26 Annual Plan.

Why start with a pilot?

Before committing to a city-wide roll-out, we want complete confidence in the process, the technology, the benefits, and the costs. Hamilton City would eventually need around 60,000 residential meters, so it’s vital we understand what’s involved.

This pilot will help IAWAI build a full picture of:

installation logistics and costs
how the meters perform in practice
customer experience and feedback
water-use patterns and potential savings

Hamilton East was chosen because its older infrastructure provides a good test for installation and retrofit costs.

Why water meters?

Hamilton currently charges for water services through property rates, based on capital value. Around 4000 commercial and industrial customers already have water meters.

The Government, the Commerce Commission, and Waikato Regional Council have all signalled that residential water meters are likely to be required in future. Waikato District Council has already introduced them, and Waikato-Tainui supports water metering as part of protecting the awa.

Water meters are not just about compliance. International and New Zealand evidence shows they:

encourage more responsible water use (reducing consumption by up to 25%)
help detect leaks in the network and on private properties
delay the need for costly new treatment plants and pipes
create a fairer and more transparent charging system.

Using less water also helps protect the Waikato River and ensures Hamilton stays within the limits of its water-take consent.

I live in Hamilton East; how do I volunteer?

By joining the community pilot, you’ll get:

The chance to be among the first in Hamilton to get access to new technology and water usage information for your family.
A water meter installed outside your home.
Access to an app to track your household’s water use. We will also have access to this data to understand your water use patterns and community trends.
Free advice from a water conservation advisor to help reduce water use.
Free inspection and assessment of suspected leaks on your property by a qualified plumber.
Occasional emails asking about your experience.
As a thank-you for completing the trial, you'll also receive a family pass of your choice to one of these fantastic local attractions:

- Hamilton ZOO (two adults and up to four children 16 years and under)

- Hamilton Gardens (two adults and two audio passes, children 16 years and younger enter for free)

- Waterworld Aquatic Centre (two adults and up to four children 15 years and under, includes four hydroslide passes for one hour)

Do you want to be part of the pilot? Complete the Application Form below and we’ll be in touch.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Hamilton trialling water meters now?

The Government has been clear, within the next five years, we must move away from charging for water through property values. Water meters are also likely to be required by regulators like the Commerce Commission and Waikato Regional Council. The pilot helps us prepare by testing technology, costs, and customer feedback before any wider rollout.

Will I have to pay for water under this pilot?

No. Households in the pilot will not receive separate water bills. The purpose of the trial is to collect information and test equipment, not to charge people.

How many households are involved?

About 200 voluntary households in Hamilton East will be selected, plus a small number of the city’s 4000 commercial customers who already have meters.

Why was Hamilton East chosen?

Hamilton East has older infrastructure and a range of connection types. This helps us understand the potential costs and challenges of retrofitting meters across the city.

How much will water meters cost Hamilton overall?

The pilot will help us better understand the potential cost for a wider roll out. We know it will be a significant investment, but research shows these costs can be offset by savings from reduced demand, leak detection, and deferring the need for new treatment plants and pipes.