rain tank water metering for fixed/volumetric wastewater ... - Watercare

Q. Can I provide my own water meter?A. No. It is important for Watercare that a robust, reliable and accurate meter is used. Standardisingthe meter helps reduce the potential for meter reading errors. The Kent water meter is usedextensively across the Watercare network. It is well proven and each meter is certified tointernational accuracy standard (OIML R 49) which minimises the risk of problems for you andWatercare. Watercare has worked with its suppliers to make this meter and strainer available to raintank customers at a substantially discounted price of $115 (normal retail $266).Q. Can I undertake my own water meter installation?A. No, you need to use a Watercare-approved installer. This avoids the need for a follow-upinspection and minimises the risk of problems arising as a result of installation. Furthermore, workon drinking water systems such as rain tanks is considered sanitary plumbing under the Plumbers,Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006 and as such must be undertaken or supervised by a certifiedplumber.Q. Where will the water meter be located?A. The meter reader will require easy, walk-up access to your property to read the water meterevery two months. Where a water pump is located inside a shed or building or under the house, theplumbing will need to be redirected so that the water meter is easy to access. Your Watercareapprovedinstaller will be able to locate the water meter appropriately for you.Q. What if access to my property for meter reading is particularly difficult?A. In most cases, the meter reader should be able to access the meter. Your meter installer can letyou know whether the meter can be placed in a walk-up location for the meter reader. Pleaseensure any significant access issues are highlighted on your application form.If your property is particularly difficult to access, and if there are significant health and safety issuesfor the meter reader, you may be able to install a remote meter reading device which can beattached to your water meter at your cost. However, these devices will only be approved inexceptional circumstances after initial inspection by the approved installers.Q. Can we use an automatic or remote meter reader?A. Automatic meter readers or remote meter reading is a technology promoted by some supplierswhereby a battery operated telemetry device is fitted to a compatible water meter and readremotely. Watercare uses a small number of these devices in carefully controlled circumstanceswhere there are significant health and safety issues or access problems. However, within NewZealand the technology has not yet undergone widespread uptake and implementation. Watercareis continuing to assess the use of such technology in this area.Q. Can I arrange for someone to check my property before I install my meter?A. In the first instance you should talk to your Watercare approved installer.Q. Can I still connect to the public metered water supply?A. Yes, if it is available in your street. An application can be made through new connections toconnect to the public water supply. Refer to ‘New Connections’ on the Watercare website or phoneour customer centre on 442 2222. Please note that a meter connection, processing fee andinfrastructure growth charge will apply.3

APPLYING TO WATERCARE FOR A CHANGE TO YOUR ACCOUNTQ. Now that my water meter is installed, how do I change to fixed/volumetric wastewatercharging?A. Please complete the Rain Tank Water Meter Application Form and send it to Watercare ServicesLimited, Private Bag 94010, Auckland, 2241. Alternatively you can scan the application form andsend it to info@water.co.nz. The application form includes your details and information on theinstallation and placement of the water meter for our meter readers. The application fee forchanging to fixed/volumetric wastewater charging is $50 and this will be included on your Watercarebill.Q. When will I receive my first bill at the new fixed/volumetric wastewater rate?A. The timing of your first fixed/volumetric bill will depend on when the meter reader is in your areafollowing the approval of your application. In some cases, it may take up to two months forvolumetric charges to appear on the bill.Please note, it could take a few months for your bills to settle into regular amounts as we gaininformation about your usage and the estimation function becomes more accurate.Q. How is the fixed/volumetric wastewater charge calculated?A. With a rain tank water meter, your wastewater charges will have two parts:- a ‘volumetric charge’ which is based on the amount of water flowing through your rain tankwater meter.- a ‘fixed charge’ which is each household’s contribution to network maintenance.For this year’s rates, see Watercare’s ‘water & wastewater charges’ on the websitewww.watercare.co.nzQ. How do I tell if I am being billed volumetrically?A. Under the “Details” section of your bill you will notice a reference to “Volumetric charges” and“Fixed charges”. This is because the fixed/volumetric wastewater charge is made up of a fixedportion at $190 per annum and a volumetric charge at $2.281/KL.Note a KL or kilolitre is equivalent to 1000 litres.4

Q. How do I tell if my bill is an actual or an estimated reading?A. Refer to the water usage graph on the front of the bill. The small “A” or “E” will indicate whetherit is an actual or an estimate reading.Q. Can I revert back to a fixed wastewater charge if my circumstances change?A. Once you move to fixed/volumetric charging for wastewater you will not be able to switchbetween the two charging methods for a period of 12 months. Where a property changes hands, thenew owner can request a change back to fixed charging.METER READING AND DAY TO DAY OPERATIONQ. What if my water meter is inaccurate or malfunctioning?A. Where Watercare suspects a water meter is malfunctioning, we will notify you and require thatthe meter is tested. Watercare reserves the right to return your account to the standard fixedwastewater charge after the next actual reading if the faulty meter has not been checked, repairedor replaced. The meter has a standard 12 month warranty. If you suspect a problem you shouldcontact your installer or local plumber in the first instance.Q. What if there is a leak in my water meter or pipes?A. Refer to the “checking for water leaks” section on the Watercare website which should help youto determine if there is a water leak. As a rain tank customer, you are responsible for the ownershipand maintenance of all the pipes and the water meter associated with your private rain tank system.If you have issues with a leak or other problems with your water supply, then you should contactyour installer or local plumber in the first instance. If a leak is identified and fixed, a leak rebate for aportion of the wastewater charge may be available. Refer to ‘Leak Allowance’ on the website forfurther information.Q. My water meter has just been installed and there is a problem with my water supply – who do Icall?A. Call your installer or local plumber.Q. Will I need to replace my water meter in the future?A. Yes. Water meters are mechanical devices and are subject to wear and tear. They becomeinaccurate over time and need to be replaced. Factors such as the variability of water pressure anddebris may also affect the durability of the meter. Even if your water meter is not suspected ofbeing faulty, after a prolonged period of use Watercare may request that you have your metertested and/or replaced. The normal accurate operating life of a quality water meter is estimated at15 years.Q. The gates to my house are locked – how will the meter reader get access?A. Watercare’s meter readers can offer to send a text or leave an automated phone message the daybefore the meter is to be read so as the gate can be left unlocked. Please notify us on yourapplication form if there is an issue with gates or other access issues such as dogs.5