Frequently asked questions.

Wastewater is everything that goes down your sinks, showers and toilets.

The wastewater charge is the cost to process that into water that can be safely discharged back into the environment.

It’s a big job that relies on a huge network of Council sewer pipes, pump stations and sophisticated wastewater treatment plants to meet ever increasing water discharge compliance standards.

Depending on the outcome of the Local Water Done Well consultation, we’re aiming for the start of the new financial rating year – 1 July 2025, but there’s a lot to put in place to make it happen.

Essentially, it will look like your rates bill has dropped - the average wastewater charge is $800 - and your water bill has gone up, by that amount. It’s the same charge, just appearing on a different rates invoice. We’ll give you good warning for when wastewater charges will move to your water bill so you can make suitable payment arrangements.

Remember, these figures are based on today’s prices and don’t include any scheduled rates increases for year two of the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan.

Last July water charges went up by 31% on average, as reflected in our 2024-2034 Long Term Plan. Meeting new government compliance standards; higher interest rates and depreciation costs (the cost to replace/repair/rebuild an asset) account for the increase, along with a determined effort by Council to upgrade aging water infrastructure for the betterment of the community. If you’ve recently received your water bill since the increase, it will be noticeable.

On your water bill, you‘re currently charged a bi-annual water supply charge of $99.13 and a stepped charge for each cubic

metre of water you use.

The water supply charge covers the cost of bringing the treated water to your meter, regardless of whether you use it or not. It

means water on demand, at the turn of a tap, and averages out to 54 cents a day.