Bruce Rock STED scheme

What's happening?

We've recently completed the new STED scheme to Bruce Rock. The scheme takes partially treated wastewater from household septic tanks through a pipeline to a disposal pond system managed by Water Corporation.

Why was the project completed?

Overflowing leach drains in backyards and laneways of Bruce Rock are a significant health concern for the community. Overflows are also damaging local infrastructure, including roads.

To protect local infrastructure and community health, the State Government chose to introduce a STED scheme.

The completed STED scheme will assist in improving the environmental health of the area. 

Why do customers need to pay wastewater service charges?

Wastewater Service charges are an annual charge that covers the cost of safely removing, treating and discharging wastewater from your property. It also covers the cost of maintaining the pipe network that transports wastewater. Service charges are based on your properties 'availability' to connect, and the fees are applicable regardless of whether you connect your property to the scheme. 

Selected properties in Bruce Rock have had the ability to connect to the STED scheme since May 2020.

When were wastewater service charges introduced to Bruce Rock?

Service charges were applied to each eligible property from 1 July 2021.

Water Corporation had already deferred sewerage service charges in April 2020 for the 20/21 financial year, to give customers what we believed would be adequate time to connect, given the limited plumbing services in the town. 

What has changed?

We've listened to customer feedback regarding concerns about the financial impact of these service charges and we understand Bruce Rock STED is a unique scheme. As such, we will be applying a credit to all residential accounts in Bruce Rock, to reimburse all 2021/22 wastewater service charges, to offer some immediate financial relief.

Why can't Water Corporation just stop service charges all together?

Water Corporation is required to apply service charges to all applicable properties throughout WA that have the ability to connect to a water or wastewater scheme. 

What will happen for future service charges?

This credit is an interim solution whilst we continue to look at options to improve the affordability of service charges in Bruce Rock from 2022 and beyond.

How much credit will I receive?

You will receive a credit totalling the amount that has been charged for wastewater service charges for your residential property/s for the 2021/22 financial year. This will be applied automatically to your account.

Do I need to do anything to receive this credit?

No. This will be applied automatically to you account and will be applicable to all residential properties regardless of whether they are connected to the scheme or not.

I'm ready to connect - what are my next steps?

To connect, you must first register your intent on Builder Net, (this is the Water Corporation system for building applications) - this can be done by the property owner, tenant or your registered plumber. Information on how to use Builder Net is available on 13 13 95.

Registering on Builder Net allows us to provide your plumber with the required information, as well prepare for the connection on our systems. At this point, information is provided to Landgate and the Plumbing Licensing Board.

Charges apply when lodging your application. These include a $22.20 fee for sewer connection and a fee of $181.30 charged by Landgate to apply a condition on the property title.

I haven't connected and am worries about whether I can afford the connection costs - what can I do?

The first step is to contact a licensed plumber to arrange a quote to connect. That way you know exactly what the upfront cost will be, as connection costs vary significantly from property to property. 

Once you have obtained your quote contact Customer Solutions Team on 9273 4520 to discuss your individual circumstances further. we understand not everyone may be in a financial position to connect to the scheme, and we are happy to help work through options with you once you have received your quote.

What other help is available?

Water Corporation is available to discuss individual needs. We are happy to discuss your options, including payment plans, and to see if there are any other concessions available.

The Hardship Utilities Grant Scheme is a State Government scheme that provides financial assistance to people in financial hardship to pay their utility accounts. If you have the intention but not the financial capacity to pay your account without affecting your ability to meet individual or family basic living needs, you are considered to be in financial hardship.

To apply, please phone us on 9273 4520 so we can talk through your situation with you.

The Shire of Bruce Rock is offering up to $1,500 in rebates for connecting. This will be paid directly to the plumber upon written proof of the STED connection works. The subsidy paid will be:

• $1,000 for the owners of residential or commercial properties;
• $1,250 for the owners of residential properties that are registered 'Seniors' with the Shire under the Pensioner Rebate Scheme; or
• $1,500 for the owners of residential properties that are registered 'Pensioners' (including Seniors with Commonwealth Senior Health Cards) under the pensioner rebate scheme.