Outrage at the council's plans to double the city's water rates has quickly made waves online.
Nearly 200 people have expressed support for two Facebook pages, one titled Stop Fixed Water Charging Doubling in Tauranga and the other called Protesting the water rates rise in Tauranga.
Stop Fixed
Water Charging Doubling in Tauranga was set up on February 28, the same day the Bay of Plenty Times revealed the council's proposal to increase charges for the city's fixed water supply by 50 per cent.
Within 24 hours, the page gained 100 "likes" and early today the group had 107 members.
The council proposes to double the fixed water charge to $52 and add 11c to the volumetric rate paid through the meter to $1.69 a cubic metre (including GST).
It blamed the recession and a series of wet summers for revenue from water meters failing to match costs. The higher charges will clear a $3 million deficit in the council's water account by 2015.
Page organiser Colleen Gourlay posted an invitation to people to post their objection to the doubling of the fixed water charges in response to what she called a "ridiculous" increase.
She said every ratepayer should be as upset as she was about the doubling in water costs.
"It gets up my nose when they start taxing basic things we need to live. I've lived in Tauranga all my life and my rates are just going up and up and up every year. It's just another way of charging us more. It's just another rates hike, disguised through water," she said.
Water was a basic commodity, she said, and should not be too expensive for local people.
"Doubling the water is too much for some people. The cost of living is very hard for everyone. For the average working family and those on lower incomes it's already difficult. Water is essential - we encourage our children and grandchildren to drink it instead of fizzy drink. It's a basic right," she said.
If the page got enough people, it would be presented to the council.
Others have been quick to express their views on the Facebook page, accusing the council of mismanaging rates, and asking what would happen if people refused to pay.
The second Facebook page, Protesting the water rates rise in Tauranga, was set up on February 29 by Donna Tuck and today had 122 "likes". She understood the council needed revenue but it seemed unfair when families were already struggling with the rising cost of living. She also questioned just how efficient the council was.
What they're saying on Facebook
Wendy Nicholls: "What would happen if we did not pay our water rates? Would they cut it off? Water is one of the basic necessities of life. If I failed to provide one of these basic necessities to my children I would be prosecuted. How can such a vital resource have become so expensive? It's just not fair!"
Karen Williams: "Another example of this councils mis management of tax payers rates . I know let's back door tax them some more and see how long it takes to pour that down the plug hole too !! Leave water alone . It's criminal that it's cheaper to buy pop than milk . Now lets make water the same ? I suggest that the elected members take some time to get out in their wards and see for themselves the affect of recession on the average family. They are struggling as it is . Water is not a luxury it's an essential."
Karl Ruby: "This is soley a revenue gathering exercise for the council. And there excuse that because of a wet summer they are losing money dosent wash (won't be able to afford too) as there costs should be lower as they don't have to filter as much water. time for a council change at next election I think."