Some farmers in south Taranaki are threatening to abandon big water projects there because of another big rise in water costs.
South Taranaki District Council is proposing to lift metered water rates on town supplies to $2.01 per 1000 litres from July this year to fund infrastructure upgrades.
About 50 dairy farms use town water supplies for cow drinking water.
Opunake farmer James Langton says water costs have gone up 70% in the past two years, the new pricing could cost him $33,000 a year and he cannot afford it.
He says the rate is one of the most expensive in New Zealand and there's no way he will pay more: he, and a number of other farmers, will look to source their water from elsewhere.
If dairy farmers stop using town water supplies, the council won't be able to afford its water projects.
Federated Farmers says farmers don't mind paying for water - they just want a fair price.
Taranaki policy adviser Kelly Martyn says 800 metered users are paying 50% of the costs. She says there are cheaper options available, like building a bore or establishing a river supply.
