Should businesses be taxed for the water they use?

In July 2017, party leader Jacinda Ardern said a Labour government would charge businesses, including farmers and drink bottlers, for the amount of water they use. Ardern said they would "differentiate" water based on source, quantity, and destination. Royalties would largely be returned to regional councils to clean up waterways. Federated Farmers say Labour's water tax plan has the potential to cripple regional economies if cattle and crop farmers are made to pay for the water they use. Environmental groups are welcoming the policy.