Your Council services and water services are now delivered by two separate organisations.
Your water services are now delivered by IAWAI – Flowing Waters Ltd, a jointly owned water services company for Hamilton and Waikato communities.
IAWAI was operational from 1 July 2026 – managing around 90,700 drinking water and wastewater connections across our growing city and Waikato district.
Stormwater services will remain with each council, with IAWAI to deliver them under contract.
IAWAI is 100% owned by Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council and will invest about $3.3 billion over the next decade into critical water infrastructure for our communities.
What does this mean for you?
Initially, you will not see a lot of change.
Industrial and commercial water users in Hamilton will continue to get water meter bills.
Residential properties in Hamilton will now see three separately itemised rates for waters services on their rates invoice - drinking water, wastewater, stormwater (depending on what water services the property receives). Here’s what you need to know:
- You do not need to pay two separate bills. It’s all covered in one combined invoice.
- If your rates are paid automatically, your water charges will be included in that automatic payment.
- If your rates aren’t paid automatically, please pay the total amount due shown on your invoice. You can use the same Council payment options you’ve always used.
- Hamilton City Council will collect payment on behalf of IAWAI.
- You’ll continue to receive the same water services.
Who to contact
- For Council rates enquiries – 07 838 6688 or rates@hcc.govt.nz
- For IAWAI water charges enquiries – 0800 WATERS (0800 928 377) or watercharges@IAWAI.co.nz
Water Services Delivery Plan
Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council received formal approval from the Secretary for Local Government for their joint Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) on Thursday 23 July 2025, confirming a new direction for the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services.
The WSDP was developed in response to the Government’s Local Water Done Well framework, which requires councils to prepare a one-off Water Services Delivery Plan to demonstrate how water services will be financially sustainable. The plan builds on and is broadly consistent with each council’s existing Long-Term Plan.
Under the approved plan, IAWAI – Flowing Waters, the newly established council-controlled organisation, will be responsible for providing water and wastewater services (and maintaining the relevant infrastructure) across both councils, as well as delivering stormwater services under contract to the councils.
The WSDP provides a comprehensive overview of current infrastructure, service coverage, and regulatory compliance, while identifying the investment required to support future growth, maintain service levels, and enhance environmental outcomes.
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Last updated 3 September 2025