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Ōrewa resident Pete Kamphuis was stunned when Watercare sent a bill for more than $10,600 to remove a redundant water meter left after he removed two cottages from his property to build a single house.
Kamphuis requested the removal to avoid paying unnecessary monthly fixed charges. However, he was shocked when the total cost was in the thousands, with less than six percent of the bill covering the actual disconnection.
A statement from Watercare’s developer services connections manager, Rohit Chand, explained that while the disconnection itself is relatively inexpensive, the overall cost includes significant additional charges, chiefly a Traffic Management Plan.
“We understand that $10,500 is a lot of money to pay to disconnect from our water network. At $894.70 (including GST), the actual cost of the disconnection is relatively low compared to the total cost of this job.
“Unfortunately, in this instance, the property is located on a busy road and adjacent to a school. As a result, the invoice reflects the traffic management measures necessary to safely complete the work over two days. This is an Auckland Transport requirement, “ he said.
Watercare said they would refund any difference if it took less time to disconnect than anticipated, however this would still require Kamphuis to pay the full amount in advance.
Kamphuis, who had already cleared the area around the meter with a spade, says he does not believe the costs are justified. He also received a much lower estimate from a registered plumbing company, but was told that only Watercare had the legal authority to remove the meter.
