Water Supply Growth Charge and Wastewater Growth Charge
From 1 July 2026, IAWAI is introducing new waters growth charges which will apply to new residential developments where building consent applications are lodged on or after this date. IAWAI is the new water services company 100% owned by Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils. The charges are part of a wider strategy to better apportion the costs of growth.
The combined waters growth charges consist of a Water Supply Growth Charge of $200 per year and a Wastewater Growth Charge of $300 per year, per dwelling, for new residential builds consented on or after 1 July 2026. Combined, the charge is $500 for a new dwelling.
If the development is a secondary minor dwelling, such as a granny flat, and where a building consent is not required, half water and wastewater growth charges ($250 combined) will apply.
The charges will be applied to the property as an ongoing annual charge for 25 years from the time building is complete and connected to the network.
If a property is only connected to either the water supply or wastewater network, only the relevant portion of the growth charges will apply. The charges help fund the infrastructure needed to support growth and reduce the cost burden on existing ratepayers.
The charges cannot be paid upfront and remain with the property if ownership changes.
This approach reflects community support for ‘growth pays for growth’ in feedback received in consultation on the Water Services Strategy.
The charges are in addition to Development Contributions and separate from water rates. Development Contributions do not fully cover the cost of water infrastructure needed for growth, and these charges help address that gap.
The new waters growth charges are part of a broader set of updates to water service charges, including more consistent fees for connections, consenting and other water-related work across Hamilton City and Waikato District. Together, these changes aim to create a clearer, fairer, and more consistent charging approach across the region.
Non-residential charges will be considered in future strategies.
For more information, see the FAQs below or contact us.