Updating Details
Moving into a Property
Moving out of your Property
Further Information
Moving into a property as a landowner or tenant can be a trying time. But it is important to contact Western Water prior to moving to alert them that the meter needs to be read. Failure to do so could result in you receiving a bill additional to your usage.
The account from Western Water includes water and/or wastewater service charges and/or a water usage charge. The service charges cover access to and maintenance of the water and wastewater supply system for residential and commercial properties. The usage charge is for water used at the property, as measured by a water meter.
The Water Act 1989 provides that a property owner legally remains responsible for payment of any charges due on their property.
It is important that you let Western Water know if there are any changes to your account details, such as change of tenancy or change of address.
Tenancy Form.pdf
I am an Owner
Before moving into your property, check with Western Water that the water meter has been read. Otherwise you may receive a bill for water used by the previous owner. Western Water requires at least 48 hours prior notice to ensure we are able to read the meter and issue a final account to the vacating tenant.
As the owner of a residential property you must pay any service charges for water and wastewater and any charges for water usage (unless, as outlined below, a tenant is responsible for these charges).
The property owner is responsible for payment of the water and wastewater service charges where the property is separately metered. If the property is not separately metered, for example there may be one meter for a group of flats, the owner is responsible for all service and water usage charges. The water usage charges cannot be issued to the tenant.
I am a Tenant
In accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, when a tenant moves into a separately metered property, he/she is responsible for the water usage charges. As a residential tenant or caravan park resident, you must pay charges for water usage where your water has been separately metered, your landlord has informed Western Water that you are a tenant and we have read the meter.
If you do not notify Western Water within 48 hours of occupying a property, this can result in the incoming tenant being liable for the cost of all water supplied to the property since the meter was last read.
I am an Owner
Before moving out of a residential property, please Western Water requires at least 48 hours prior notice to ensure we are able to read the meter and issue a final account to the vacating owner.
Failure to notify us upon vacating a property can result in the vacating occupier being liable for the cost of all water supplied to the property until the next meter reading is conducted.
I am a Tenant
Before moving out of a residential property, contact Western Water to have your water meter read. Western Water requires at least 48 hours prior notice to ensure we are able to read the meter and issue a final account to the vacating tenant.
Failure to notify us upon vacating a property can result in the vacating tenant being liable for the cost of all water supplied to the property until the next meter reading is conducted.
For account enquiries, or further information on Western Water's service charges concessions and rebates please call Western Water on 1300 650 422.
For rights and responsibilities of residential landlords and tenants contact Consumer Affairs Victoria Telephone 1300 558 181 or visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au