The cost for water is going up for Wellington households.

Tiaki Wai - the new water entity looks after Wellington, Porirua, and Hutt Valley is coming into effect July 1 and the price is eyewatering. 

The average household in the region currently pays about $2,100 a year for water through rates, but under the new model that would shift to a standalone charge of roughly $2,410 annually — about $200 a month — with costs expected to climb.

Modelling projects yearly increases of 8.9% to 14.4% through to 2035, meaning compounding rises could push annual water bills to around $6,831 within a decade, or more than $130 a week.

Former WCC spokesperson for the Regional Water Committee and current Director of the Infrastructure Commission, Tim Brown shares his thoughts on the cost announcement.

Brown tell Nick of his experience dealing with water and the councils and how the forecasts are looking for their future. 

He advocates for a Water Consumer Advocacy Trust to monitor Tiaki Wai. And shares his concern for Wellington making it through high rates and an extra bill for water.

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