From rates to separate water charges – what’s changing for our customers?
From 1 July 2026, fixed drinking water and wastewater charges will no longer be included in your Selwyn District Council rates bill. Metered water charges (based on how much water you use) will also no longer be billed through the Council on your separate volumetric water invoice.
Instead, you will receive a separate water bill directly from Selwyn Water, which will include both your fixed charges and your metered water charge (if these are applicable to your situation).
For now, there is nothing you need to do. Selwyn District Council will continue to invoice you.
Any current water billing queries should still be directed to the Council.
Paying your water bill from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, you will pay Selwyn Water directly for your water charges.
Our customers will be able to view and pay their water bills securely online through the Selwyn Water customer portal where you will be able to view current and past invoices and check account balances.
Payment options that will be available to you include:
- Credit/debit card
- Direct debit
- Internet banking
- Over-the-counter at Selwyn District Council Head Office (further locations to be confirmed).
We are currently finalising our billing system and payment arrangements, and will keep you updated with more details once everything is confirmed.
Direct debits and automatic payments
The Council will cancel any direct debits for your metered (volumetric) water after the payment of your last Council water invoice.
- Direct debits for rates will continue as normal – your Council rates bill will no longer have any drinking water or wastewater charges on it from 1 July 2026.
- Your Council direct debit will be recalculated based on the new rates for the 2026/27 rating year. Any changes to your direct debit deduction amount will take effect from your first deduction in August 2027.
- If you have an automatic payment set up with your bank to pay your separate metered (volumetric) water invoice, you will need to cancel this after you’ve paid your final Council water bill.
If you have any questions about your current Council-issued water bill, please contact the Council directly.
Setting up payments from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, if you wish to pay your water bill by direct debit, you’ll need to set up a new direct debit with Selwyn Water before your first payment is due.
We'll be providing details in June on how to set up payments for your new water bill, including direct debit and automatic payment options.