13 March 2026
Selwyn Water Limited (Selwyn Water) has submitted its draft 10‑year Water Services Strategy and draft 2026/27 pricing to Selwyn District Council, setting out a clearer and more sustainable pathway for the district’s drinking water and wastewater services. The draft pricing indicates that the expected increase for the coming year will be lower than originally forecast in the Council’s Water Services Delivery Plan.
Selwyn Water’s Deputy Chief Executive Heather Geddes says the organisation is acutely aware of the cost pressures facing households. “Affordability has been central to our thinking throughout this transition, and our pricing reflects a disciplined effort to deliver value while strengthening long-term resilience.” she says. “By improving the accuracy of the data we received at the asset transfer, we’ve been able to moderate the draft figure without compromising the investment our fast-growing district needs.”
Mayor Lydia Gliddon has welcomed Selwyn Water’s efforts to reduce water charges from what was previously indicated. “Our communities have been clear that they want a focus on core services and on affordability, and we’re listening,” she says. “Seeing the projected increase reduce from earlier forecasts is positive, and we’ll continue working alongside Selwyn Water to ensure the transition delivers strong, sustainable water services for Selwyn, both now and into the future”.
Geddes says the move to a dedicated water organisation is already delivering operational benefits. “We now have far better visibility of our costs, our networks, and the investment required to keep Selwyn’s water safe and reliable,” she says. “That improved understanding is what has enabled us to refine our planning and adjust the first-year increase from what was previously expected.”
This improved information has enabled a more realistic, long-term investment pathway and a more affordable starting point for households. The strategy also shifts Selwyn toward a proactive, growth aligned investment approach, ensuring that upgrades and renewals are sequenced according to risk, compliance requirements, and the demands of a rapidly growing district. “Selwyn Water remains focused on delivering safe, reliable services at a fair and sustainable cost for our community”, she says.
What this means for households
For an average urban household receiving both drinking water and wastewater services (including volumetric charges based on the average urban water use of 257m3), the expected annual increase has reduced from $372 to $280, a savings of $92 from what was originally indicated. This brings the total bill for 2026/27 to around $1,831, or less with lower water usage.
For households receiving drinking water only, the expected increase has reduced from $178 to $135, bringing the total annual bill to around $879, down from $922.
This represents a reduction from the previously forecast 24% increase in the Council’s Water Services Delivery Plan to an 18% increase. The 18% figure remains draft and will be subject to further engagement alongside the draft Water Services Strategy before any pricing is confirmed.
The draft strategy sets out Selwyn Water’s priorities for the next decade, including regulatory compliance, safe and reliable service delivery, growth aligned investment, and long-term financial sustainability.
What’s next?
The strategy has been submitted to the Council for feedback, with public engagement set to open in May 2026. Selwyn Water will also seek community feedback on its draft Significance and Engagement Policy from 23 March.
From 1 July 2026, water and wastewater charges will no longer be included in Council rates. Customers will receive direct, itemised water bills from Selwyn Water, clearly showing what they are paying for and how charges support service delivery.
“Our first year is about accuracy, stability, and getting the foundations right,” Geddes says. “As Selwyn Water matures, continued improvements in data, systems, and capability will support long‑term affordability and the major investments needed to keep Selwyn’s water services reliable for generations.”
For more information
Selwyn Water is currently building its website and communication channels that are due to go live in early April. Until then, the community can keep up to date and sign up to receive updates at selwyn.govt.nz/selwynwater.