Standpipes

Contractors may apply to use a standpipe if they can show that taking water from a hydrant is the only way to source water.

1. Complete the standpipe hire application form. Email it to: standpipes@water.co.nz

You must show that taking water from a hydrant is the only way to source water for your purposes.

2. If we approve your application, we send you an invoice.

3. You pay the hire charge.

4. We email you with the standpipe pickup location.

5. When you collect the standpipe, you sign our agreement and receive the standpipe user guide (PDF).

View current standpipe charges

For operating instructions and maintenance, download the standpipe user guide (PDF).

• Only Watercare’s standpipes (metered and with backflow prevention devices) can be used on our network, including testing flow and pressure. The only exemption is for the New Zealand Fire Service.

• Standpipes are not permitted in the Franklin and Rodney areas.

• Our standpipes are not to be used after metered connections.

• We reserve the right to approve or reject applications to draw water from hydrants on our network.

• The hire permits go to a select number of operators, who agree to our hiring terms. This ensures that we protect public health, and minimise risks such as:

  • backflow into the water supply system

  • water loss through improper use

  • damage to the hydrant

  • dirty water.

• All hire agreements are for one year. Short-term hire is not permitted.

You must report your previous month’s water meter reading before the 10th of the current month.

There are three options for providing your monthly bill:

1. We email you a weblink each month for reporting the previous month’s reading.

2. Email your reading to us at standpipes@water.co.nz

3. Phone us on (09) 539 8402, stating your standpipe ID number and meter reading.

Monthly billing

We bill you monthly, based on your water use in the previous month.

If we don’t receive your report, we will invoice you for the standard estimate of monthly use (115 kilolitres), until we receive your actual reading.