From 1 July 2009 your water bill will increase.
Western Water prepared a Water Plan in 2008 outlining our proposed infrastructure investments (pipelines, treatment plants etc) for the region and our services over the next 5 year.
This included a proposed pricing schedule which is critically assessed by the Essential Services Commission (ESC) - the economic regulatory body for the Victorian water industry. Our water prices are approved by the ESC, based on Western Water's need to fund new infrastructure and provide high quality services to the region.
After more than a decade of below average rainfall, the price rises are being driven by our need to purchase more water from the Melbourne system and by major pipeline and treatment system construction works underway in our region.
In the last year, Western Water spent $38 million improving treatment plants and laying pipe networks to secure our water supply and sewerage systems for the future. Western Water is developing innovative supply options using recycled water where drinking quality water is not required.
We expect to spend over $150M over the next 5 years to ensure we have a secure water supply for the region.
The average household in our region uses 171,000 litres of water per year. In the 2009/10 financial year, compared to last year, the average household will pay around $1 extra per week, but this will vary depending on your usage levels across the year. Households using less water will be better off financially than heavy water users due to Western Water's tiered 'user pays' system.
Western Water offers many payment options and can tailor a payment plan for customers having difficulties paying their water bills. Please contact our Customer Relations staff on 1300 650 422.
Service and Usage Charges 2009/10
Service access charges are billed across three billing periods, from the start of each financial year.
|
WATER Service Access and Usage Charges |
2009/10 | |
| Service Access (per year) |
$174.56
|
|
| Usage (per 4 month billing period) |
0-53 kilolitres: $1.1222 per kilolitre (1000 litres)
|
|
|
SEWERAGE Service Access Charge (per year) |
||
| All towns and districts |
$443.48 |
|
| MELBOURNE WATER WATERWAYS CHARGE (per year) | ||
| Within Urban Growth Boundary | $67.08 | |
| Outside Urban Growth Boundary | $40.68 |
Melbourne Water Waterways Charge
Melbourne Water is now responsible for the management of waterways, drainage and floodplains throughout the Port Phillip and Westernport Bay Catchment. These services will be funded through an annual Waterways Charge to be collected by Western Water on behalf of Melbourne Water. For more information, visit www.melbournewater.com.au
The annual charge is $67.08 for residential properties and inside the Melbourne Urban Growth Boundary or UGB.
The charge is $40.68 for all properties outside the UGB but within the Port Phillip and Westernport Bay Catchment. These charges affect our service region except for Woodend.
The UGB is set by the state government. For more information, visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/melbourne2030online
Further Information
Click here to find out more about the ESC's role in regulating the water industry.
Western Water offers payment options for people who are having difficulties paying their water bills. If you receive a concession, the Department of Human Services has increased it by 14.8% plus CPI, or approximately $30 per year.
Or for more information telephone Customer Relations on 1300 650 422.