How much will you pay for the water you use?

On July 1 2005, Council introduced a new water supply tariff or water pricing system. Visit our Council Meeting: Agendas, Reports and Minutes page and go to  Extra-Ordinary Council Meeting: 30 June 2005 for Council resolution. 

The new tariff now better reflects the true cost of water supply.  This cost not only includes what we use, but also the cost of supply, administration, maintenance and the provision of new infrastructure for water. The new tariff is designed to reward low water consumers and encourage increased efficiency by high water users.

Most importantly, it ensures we all value the importance of water and encourages us to always maintain conservation practices both at home and in the workplace.

In March 2005, Council asked the public to comment on three water pricing options. The majority of responses supported the Option 1, which benefits the majority of consumers and also represents the strongest water conservation message.

For most residents, the changes will now mean cheaper water bills.

The prices quoted below are for 2010-2011. 

What has changed?

• The 'water usage charge' (the amount for every kilolitre (kL) of water you use) will still appear on your quarterly water bill.
• Two pricing steps have been introduced, with the first step based on the size or "design allowance" of your water meter. (See table  2). In 2010-2011 the first price step is $2.02 per kL and the second price step is $4.04 per kL. This charge will gradually increase each year.
• The annual 'access charge' for having a water connection (meter) has also been reduced.  You will see these changes in your next water bill.
• The annual access charge has been removed from your rates notice.  It will now be spread over the year in each quarterly water bill.

Table 1:New water usage charges per kL

Note: The first price step is for water usage up to the design allowance for your water meter. This is calculated based on the size of your water connection (meter). (See table 2). When you exceed your design allowance any extra water used is charged at the more expensive second price step.

Table 2:Wateraccess charges and meter design allowance

Note: These prices may be subject to change 

What do the changes mean for residential customers?

• For most residents, the changes should mean cheaper water bills.
• Up to 74 % of households will save money.
• The access charge for a standard 20mm residential connection (meter) will be $145 for 2010/11.
• Households with a standard residential connection will be able to use up to 270 kL per year at $2.02/kL. Any water over 270 kL will cost them $4.04/kL.
• Incentive programs will be implemented for residential customers that will particularly benefit larger families with a higher water consumption rate.  These could include the replacement of shower heads and single flush toilet cisterns with new AAA-rated fixtures.

How much you pay for the water you use is essentially now your responsibility...

There has never been a better time to look at ways to reduce water consumption around your home.

• Did you know that one dripping tap can waste more than 24,000L of water a year and add up to $35 more to your water bill!
• And if you have a leaking toilet, you're not only wasting another 96,000L a year, but flushing away over $132.
• Even hosing your garden for half an hour three times a week without a water efficient nozzle could cost you up to $150 a year.

For useful tips and ways to save water around your home and in the garden, collect a free copy of the Hastings H2O booklet and WaterWise Garden Book from council offices and garden centres or click here to download your copies.

Further information

Any questions regarding the pricing structure should be directed to Council on 6581 8111.