Most Victorian households will enjoy a drop in water bills for the year ahead, with bills to fall by $33 on average in Melbourne and $7 in regional Victoria.
Commission pricing director Marcus Crudden says water bills vary depending on a number of factors including water usage and changes in borrowing costs.
“The fall in bills should provide welcome news for many across the state,” he said.
“Over the past few months, we’ve seen the water sector respond to challenges facing the community by increasing support to those experiencing financial stress. Additional price relief from 1 July will support the work water businesses have been doing for those seeking help.”
In Melbourne, annual household bills for Yarra Valley Water customers will fall by $36 on average, and by $17 for customers of South East Water. Customers of the newly formed Greater Western Water (previously City West Water area) will see a $47 drop on average.
The biggest regional winners include Central Highlands Water and Goulburn Valley Water customers with annual average savings of more than $20, while Coliban Water, Gippsland Water, GWMWater and Wannon Water customers will see average bills fall by more than $10.
Mr Crudden says lower borrowing costs and, in metropolitan Melbourne, the commission’s recent price decision for Melbourne Water, contributed to bill falls.
“The wholesale water and sewerage services provided by Melbourne Water make up about 60 per cent of household water bills in metropolitan Melbourne. Our decision released last week generally reduced Melbourne Water’s prices, while allowing it to continue to invest in key services.”
Bill estimates are based on average consumption rates of 150 kilolitres per year for metropolitan customers. Regional estimates are based on average consumption levels for each water business.
Indicative household bills – water and sewerage
Metro water - residential (owner occupier)
Based on average consumption of 150kL p.a. Averages and bill change amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.
Water business
2020–21
annual bill
2021–22
annual bill
Change
Greater Western Water (previously City West Water) area
$976
$929
-$47
South East Water
$980
$963
-$17
Yarra Valley Water
$1,062
$1,026
-$36
Average bill change metro
$1,006
$973
-$33
Regional water – residential (owner occupier)
Based on average consumption rates for each water business. Averages and bill change amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.
Water business
Average consumption
(kL p.a.)
2020–21 annual bill
2021–22 annual bill
Change
Barwon Water (Geelong)
160
$1,039
$1,034
-$5
Central Highlands Water (Ballarat)
151
$1,226
$1,202
-$24
Coliban Water (Bendigo)
194
$1,346
$1,330
-$15
East Gippsland Water (Bairnsdale)
153
$1,218
$1,215
-$3
Goulburn Valley Water (Shepparton)
261
$896
$874
-$22
Gippsland Water (Traralgon)
161
$1,325
$1,311
-$14
Greater Western Water (previously Western Water) area
