Stormwater pricing study
Stormwater runoff is increased by urban development. When not managed well, it can flood properties and deteriorate waterway health.
The way we pay for stormwater should encourage good stormwater management while ensuring cost-recovery, fairness and efficiency.
This report considers the way people pay for stormwater services in other countries as well as in New Zealand. We commissioned Sapere to conduct this research.
Key findings
- Including stormwater fees in property rates does nothing to incentivise property-owners to reduce their stormwater impacts.
- A harmonised pricing approach for stormwater is likely to see rural areas cross-subsidising urban areas, whereas for drinking water and wastewater, harmonised pricing is more likely to reduce prices in rural – often poorer – areas.
- The Crown and other rates-exempt organisations, including Councils, should be charged for stormwater services.
- There is not a strong case for incorporating stormwater charges with consumer charges for waste and potable water services.
- New Water Service Entities should have the flexibility to choose how they set stormwater fees and provide incentives.
Stormwater pricing study
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