Water Charges 2009- 10
History
In 1996 the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal recommended that water charges be calculated on a ‘pay for use’ basis - that is, the less water you use, the less you pay.
Since 1996 Shoalhaven Water have phased in the tribunal’s recommendation by:
- Reducing the water availability charge (the price charged to have water available to your property which forms part of your water account). The water availability charge is levied in accordance with Section 501 of the Local Government Act.
- Reducing the amount of pre-paid water or 'free’ water (previously called your pre-paid water allowance).
Since 1/7/2000 there has been no pre-paid allowance and the combined effect of the reduction in the water availability charge and the reduced water allowance has resulted in a steady decrease in the total water charges for most residential users.
The “pay for use” system has seen the availability charge reduce from $272.00 with the focus of charges directed toward water usage.
Consistent with the principal of 'pay for use', Council implemented Best Practice Water Supply Pricing in 2004/2005 to comply with regulatory requirements and ensure fair pricing of services. These new cost-reflective pricing for the water supply, ensures that all our customers pay a FAIR price for their water usage and the demand they can place on the water supply system.
Best Practice Pricing - new fees and charges
for 2009-2010
Residential Properties
From July 1, 2009 Shoalhaven Water will charge water usage at a rate of $1.30 per kilolitre for usage up to 450 KL and $1.95 for usage greater than 450 KL. The Water Availability Charge (as shown on your Water Account issued at the time of the water meter reading) will increase to $65.00. Properties with multiple connections will pay multiple availability charges.
The increase is being phased in over 2 years and is necessary to ensure the continued maintenance and construction of our water assets into the future. In 2010/11 the water usage will increase to $1.45 and the fixed availability charge will increase to $75.00.
This pricing change will result in the Shoalhaven still having one of the lowest water pricing tariffs in NSW and Nationally. Compare your consumption against the table and see whether reduced water use can save you money:
Usage (kilolitres) per annum |
Difference against 1996/1997 |
What you paid in 2008/09 |
What you will pay in 2009/10 |
What you paid in 1996/97 |
50 |
-$142.00 |
$111.00 |
$130.00 |
$272.00 |
90 |
-$90.00 |
$151.00 |
$182.00 |
$272.00 |
130 |
-$38.00 |
$191.00 |
$234.00 |
$272.00 |
145 |
-$18.50 |
$206.00 |
$253.50 |
$272.00 |
160 |
+$1.00 |
$221.00 |
$273.00 |
$272.00 |
170 |
+$14.00 |
$231.00 |
$286.00 |
$272.00 |
200 |
+$53.00 |
$261.55 |
$325.00 |
$272.00 |
240 |
+$105.00 |
$301.00 |
$377.00 |
$272.00 |
In addition, Shoalhaven Water continues with quarterly meter reading and billing. This allows customers to receive regular feedback on their water use and costs. It also enables customers to budget for their next account and detect any discrepancies, such as leakages early.
Non-Residential Properties
Non-residential properties will be charged availability for water based on the size of the water meter service connection. This includes multiple connections. Non-strata properties will also be charged availability based on the size of the water meter service connection.
Shoalhaven Water continues to allow the downsize of water meter connections at the costs of conducting the works. Click here for an application form or follow the link at the top of this page.
For properties that cannot downsize or disconnect, Shoalhaven Water is providing an option to 'nominally' size the connection. These options are subject to conditions. To find out more about these options click here to view our ‘Best Practice Pricing Policy’. For more infromation on downsizing or re-sizing your meter
click here.
The following table outlines the charges applicable and approximate pricing post implementation:
| Water Availability | 2008/09 |
| $ | |
| 20 mm | 65 |
| 25 mm | 101.56 |
| 32 mm | 166.40 |
| 40 mm | 260 |
| 50 mm | 406.25 |
| 80 mm | 1,040 |
| 100 mm | 1,625 |
| 150 mm | 3,656.25 |