23 March 2011

The Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce is disappointed that water meters are not part of the Wellington City Council’s Water Conservation and Efficiency Plan to be considered by Councillors tomorrow.

“Water is a scarce resource and so good management is crucial for the economic performance of Wellington,” said Chamber Chief Executive Ken Harris.

“We support council initiatives to address potential shortages but believe that in ruling out water meters, an opportunity to make a real difference has been lost.

“Water meters are able to provide information on how much water people are consuming as well as offering a real incentive to reduce consumption. They can also help identify leaks which account for a significant amount of usage.

“Under a charging regime there is potential for all consumers to save money through reduced consumption.

“Such a market solution is preferable to the carless day-like restrictions based on street numbers and alternate days which the plan proposes to regulate for.

“Water meters have a proven track record around the country. Kapiti Coast District Council is proposing to introduce them this year. We understand that Nelson City reported a 37% reduction in peak summer demand when it introduced volumetric charging.

“As well as water meters we think new investment to increase supply (by way of a new dam or lake etc) is inevitable and so early consideration needs to be given to that. It is disappointing that council seems to have ruled out these options.

“We urge Wellington City Council to follow Kapiti Coast District Council’s example, on water meters and reconsider,” Mr Harris concluded.

ENDS

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