Charges explained

Water Usage Accounts are issued three times per year to property owners that are connected to the Council water supply.  These accounts not only provide the charges, but also give the property owner valuable information on the households use of water, including usage comparisons between accounts and the same period the previous year.  

The water access charge is a fixed annual base charge levied as part of the Rates Notice for the connection, or ability to connect, to the drinking water supply system.  The size of the water meter installed on the property determines that base charge.  Higher charges apply to properties with multiple or oversized water meter service connections.

The water service access charge applies to all properties and some adjacent to urban areas, which are within 225 metres of a water main, including vacant land that can feasibly connect to the water reticulation main without crossing private property.

A water usage charge is applied to the amount, or volume, of water used by an individual customer. Usage charges are calculated for each kilolitre (1,000 litres) of water used and is based on the reading from the property’s water meter.

This charge is tiered dependant on the volume used and is charged after the water is used. The first 450kL of water used is charged at a lower per kL rate. 

When water usage reaches 450 kilolitres used, a higher per kL charge is applied. The higher charge is based on a financial year (from 1 July to 30 June) and is charged per property not per owner or tenant. This mean if a property reaches 450 kilolitres in the first trimester and a new owner or tenant occupies the property for the remainder of the financial year, all water consumed will be charged at the higher rate.  

A kilolitre (kL) is a unit of measurement that is equal to 1,000 litres.

The sewer service access charge is a fixed annual base charge levied as part of the Rates Notice for the connection, or ability to connect, to the sewer distribution system.  All residential properties are levied a fixed sewer access charge.

The sewer service access charge applies to all properties located within 75 metres of a Council sewer main, including vacant land that can feasibly connect to the sewer main without crossing private property.

Properties located in the pressure sewer system are require an individual pressure sewer system installed within the allotment, connected to the sewer main in the street.  All pressure sewer systems are subject to an Installation, Maintenance and Service Agreement.  Currently, Council undertakes this work for an annual fee.  

The pump maintenance fee is set annually as part of the Operational Plan, is charged based on the number of pumps installed in the system and is in addition to other sewer charges applicable to the property.  This charge is levied as part of the Rates Notice annually.