The organisation that represents local bodies is urging the Government not to make water meters a requirement throughout the country.
The recommendation is contained in a report by the Local Government Infrastructure Efficiency Expert Advisory Group, aimed at making basic infrastructure services cheaper.
Local Government Minister Chris Tremain says measuring water use sounds like a good idea, but won't comment further until the recommendations are considered by the Cabinet.
The president of Local Government New Zealand, Lawrence Yule, says metering does reduce consumption but in places where water is plentiful or reasonably priced, education is a far better tool.
