Carterton councillors have been asked to waive an $18,000 water bill after a significant leak was discovered at a commercial property in the Waingawa industrial area.
By Emily Ireland of Local Democracy Reporting
The leak led to more than 20 times the usual volume of water being used from February to June and, despite remedial work being done, the leak alarm at the toby (valve) was still displayed.
Usually, when a ratepayer has arranged and paid for a leak to be repaired, and where no further leak alarm was being recorded, council could approve a remission, provided the required supporting documentation was completed and relevant criteria was met.
In a report to the Carterton District Council, chief financial officer Marc Ferguson said the leak alarm remained active but the water units consumed during June and July 2026 appeared to have returned to a level that was broadly consistent with the property’s normal average quarterly usage.
"This creates uncertainty as to whether there is an ongoing leak, whether the alarm is reflecting a residual or technical issue, or whether further investigation is required before the remission can be finalised."
He said the industrial property’s water meter had recorded a leak at the toby from October 2025 until the present day.
The leak was investigated in April 2026 and remedial work done in May 2026, however, the leak alarm continued to be displayed at the toby.
"Water consumption between October 2025 and January 2026 remained relatively low, however, consumption increased significantly between February 2026 and April 2026, with the highest usage recorded in March 2026.
"Average normal usage for the property is approximately 269 units per quarter, compared with 5571 units recorded between February 2026 and June 2026."
Ferguson said there were risks in approving a remission while the leak alarm remained active and that there was uncertainty as to whether all issues had been fully resolved.
"If the water meter is correct, the remaining small leak may develop and result in another significant water bill," he said.
There was also a precedent and consistency risk if the fee was waived despite all the criteria not being met.
This risk may be mitigated by the evidence that a major leak was identified and repaired and water consumption had subsequently returned to levels broadly consistent with historical usage.
Council staff had advised the property owner that the water meter leak alarm remained, however no further action had been taken by the property owner, Ferguson said.
"Should council approve the remission, officers recommend it is caveated with a condition that no further remissions will be granted while the water meter leak alarm remains."
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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