Every property has an amount of water and wastewater services they can use in a 12-month period (typically July to June). This amount is called the baseline demand.

Why the baseline demand is important

For every property connected to our network, we need to plan ahead to ensure that our customers continue to get a high level of service and that we can meet the water and wastewater needs of Auckland’s businesses. All business and mixed-use customers who are not exclusively residential have a baseline.

If you grow your business and increase your water and wastewater use, we must grow our infrastructure to accommodate your needs – and you’ll need to contribute towards this. The infrastructure growth charge (IGC) is your contribution towards the capital investment we make in bulk infrastructure to provide an increase in water and wastewater services.

If you increase your water and wastewater beyond the baseline amount, you’ll need to pay an IGC.

Calculating the baseline

Every commercial property connected to our network has a unique baseline.

Baselines are calculated based on the IGCs you’ve paid and are expressed as a figure either in Development Unit Equivalent (DUEs, 220kL) or kilolitres per annum. For existing properties who haven’t paid an IGC, we average your water use over a five-year period where demand was consistent – periods where your property was vacant or had a water leak may be excluded. We may undertake an IGC assessment at any time.

Read more on page eight of our customer contract.

Because baselines are measured annually and are connected to your property – not your account – the baseline figure is not included on your monthly invoice. To learn your unique baseline, contact us.

Exceeding your baseline

Using water wisely and making sure you aren’t wasting any water will help you stay within your baseline. For tips and more information, read about saving water in the workplace here.

What happens if you exceed your baseline

We conduct reviews after the end of the financial year. During the assessment, we’ll invite you to provide information that could explain why you’ve exceeded your baseline, for example, a leak on your property. An IGC is payable for each DUE (220kL) you’ve used over your baseline.