Keep Track of Water Usage and Avoid Excess Charges

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is now issuing a 'new-look' water bill in a bid to help residents more accurately monitor their water usage and avoid paying higher consumption charges.

Water bills will now feature a Water Usage Tracker, located on the back of the bill, that illustrates in graph format how much water a household has used in each quarter. Predictors indicate whether current consumption rates are likely to exceed the 270kL/yr threshold and result in higher charges.

Council's new inclining block tariff water supply charges were introduced in July 2005 and aim to more equitably charge consumers for the water they use.

"The Water Usage Tracker is an easy way for Hastings residents to monitor how much water they are using in each quarter and whether or not they need to improve water efficiency practices to avoid paying the higher rate per kilolitre," Mr Thompson explained.

Residents with a standard 20mm connection are currently charged $1.38 per kilolitre up to 270kL. For every kilolitre use over 270kL, the price per kilolitre increases to $2.76/kL.

"Being mindful of water consumption over the summer holiday period, particularly for those households accommodating visitors, will make a considerable difference to that final water bill," Mr Thompson added.

Shorter showers, washing full loads and flushing only when necessary are simple ways to greatly reduce annual water consumption.

Residents are also reminded of continuing mandatory Level 1 water conservation measures as the weather heats up.

Hoses, sprinklers and watering systems are not to be used between 10am and 4pm. Gardens are to be watered outside these times on odd and even days according to street numbers.

More information on water pricing and restrictions can be found on Council's website (go to Residents and Community).