Victorian households are expected to pay more for water in the coming year, following the Essential Services Commission’s approval of 2024-25 water prices.
The decision will see water bills rise, particularly for regional customers.
Typical water bills for owner-occupier households in Melbourne are set to increase by around $33 (three per cent), while those in regional Victoria will see a steeper hike of approximately $50 (four per cent).
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Among regional providers, Coliban Water customers will experience the highest increase of $91, whereas Barwon Water and Yarra Valley Water customers will see the lowest at $30.
According to a statement published by the Essential Services Commission, the rise in water prices is attributed to factors such as inflation and changes in borrowing costs.
It is also caused by an increased investment by water businesses to maintain service quality and reliability amid challenges like climate change.
Marcus Crudden, Executive Director of Price Monitoring and Regulation at the commission, highlighted that while bills are increasing, the investment will help address long-term service sustainability.
“Across the state customers will benefit from increasing investment by water businesses to maintain service quality and reliability, and to address key challenges such as climate change,” he said.
For metropolitan customers, the increase will vary slightly across different water businesses.
Greater Western Water’s Central region will see a rise of $31 (3.1 per cent), and its Western region will have a $35 (3.2 per cent) increase.
South East Water customers will experience a $38 (3.8 per cent) rise, while Yarra Valley Water customers will see a $30 (2.8 per cent) increase.
Regional customers will face more significant increases. Central Highlands Water bills will rise by $54 (4.2 per cent), East Gippsland Water by $54 (4.1 per cent), and Goulburn Valley Water by $40 (4.2 per cent).
Gippsland Water and Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water customers will see increases of $48 (3.4%) and $50 (3.6%) respectively.
Melbourne Water’s annual waterways and drainage charges will also rise by $4 for residential properties and $7 for non-residential properties.
Crudden urged customers facing difficulties to contact their water businesses for support.
“They can offer help through payment plans or assistance with applications for utility relief grants, information on concessions, and tips on how to reduce your water usage.”
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