New water bills are creating confusion for some residents.

From July 1, Selwyn Water Ltd took over billing residents for drinking water and wastewater from the Selwyn District Council.

One of the main changes was moving the daily fixed charges for connections to the water and wastewater networks from household rates bills to separate Selwyn Water bills.

The bills have also changed from being issued every six months to every three months. 

The daily fixed charges are $1.37 a day ($498 a year) for drinking water and $2.61 a day ($952 a year) for the wastewater network.

The fixed charges are in addition to the existing $1.48 per cubic metre water charge.

The charges increased by about 18% from last year.

Since the change, many people have taken to social media to question the daily charges, unaware they had previously been included in their rates bill or that the charges existed at all.

Selwyn Water deputy chief executive Heather Geddes said a period of adjustment was expected as customers became familiar with the new billing arrangements.

“We have received inquiries from some customers seeking clarification about the fixed charge, which is understandable during the first billing cycle.

“We believe that bringing all water charges together on a separate quarterly bill provides greater transparency and visibility of the costs of delivering safe and reliable water services. It also gives customers a clearer understanding of what they are paying for.”

Geddes said when customers received their first bill from Selwyn Water would vary depending on where they lived.

“For properties with water meters, bills are issued according to meter reading schedules, meaning customers do not all receive their bills at the same time. We have the schedule on our website and remain on track to issue first bills to all customers by the end of September.”

Rolleston, for example, is divided into five groups, which are billed throughout the year.

Geddes said the company undertook a range of communications ahead of billing, including a rates insert in collaboration with the council to explain the change, direct mail, information on its website, bill inserts, print advertising and attendance at community and residents’ association meetings.

“We are encouraging anyone who thinks there may be an issue with their bill to contact us. Where an issue is identified, we investigate it and work directly with the customer to resolve it.”

• To find out more, head to Selwyn Water’s website