Water metering has emerged as one of the key election issues with the top three mayoral candidates divided.
Incumbent Julie Hardaker initially came out in support of water meters at a candidate meeting but has since said she believes metering, along with other conservation measures, should be considered by thecouncil.
Ewan Wilson and Dave Macpherson are both against water metering.
Mr Macpherson estimates installation of water meters could cost ratepayers about $20 million.
Instead he supports a strong education campaign on water conservation and backs the new district plan which sets out requirements for rainwater collection systems to be installed in new buildings and encouraged via incentives, in existing buildings.
And Mr Wilson says the council would be better off directing funds into upgrading old infrastructure. He estimates ageing water pipes are responsible for the loss of at least eight million litres of water a day from the city's 1052km network.
"That's about 149 litres for every connection," he said.
Mr Wilson said 35 sophisticated meters would be installed around the city to help the council determine where the largest losses were coming from, presumably in older areas of the city such as Hamilton East, Claudelands and Frankton.
He said investing in upgrading infrastructure and a conservation awareness campaign would be better use of ratepayers' money.
Both Mr Wilson and Mr Macpherson believe residents would be hit hard if meters are introduced.
"The example in Auckland is clear to see. Most ratepayers got a small reduction in their rates bill but their water bill surpasses this reduction multiple times over," said Mr Wilson.
He estimated a family of four could be hit with a bill of $550 to $1000 annually.
