However, Stratford District Council, which this week recommended a $2.5m metering scheme, has estimated annual usage charges of $720 for a family of four and $360 for a household of two.
That would be on top of the annual flat rate, which Stratford expects to fall from $573 to $335.
ANDY JACKSON/Stuff
NPDC CE Craig Stevenson, Mayor Neil Holdom, Deputy Mayor Richard Jordan.
In a meeting opened in dramatic style by mayor Neil Holdom, including background music and dimmed lights, New Plymouth councillors put together their $3 billion plan.
They signed off on spending $248m on water infrastructure, $20m to improve Waitara's stormwater system, $36m to extend the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway and a proposed trail from Mt Taranaki to the sea, and $40 million towards a multi-sport hub.