For some groups of customers, different charges or some discounts apply.
We are here to help
We understand the impact these changes may have. We look at every situation on a case-by-case basis and have a range of flexible payment options that can be tailored to meet your needs.
Vacant land
All properties with access to our water main or wastewater (sewer) main pay service charges – even if there is no connection. This contributes to the cost of providing and maintaining essential services.
Drainage charges may also apply for metro areas.
If any water is used on your vacant land you will also be billed for this.
For vacant land, the water service charge is the same as for residential properties – $264.35 per year.
For vacant land these charges are based on the rateable value, or gross rental value (GRV), of the property.
The sewerage tariff is 2.554 cents for each dollar of rateable value. The minimum sewerage charge for vacant land in the metro area is $330.15.
The drainage tariff is 0.720 cents for each dollar of the rateable value. The minimum metropolitan drainage charge for vacant land in 2019–20 is $123.79. Drainage charges don't apply to regional customers.
Regional charges
Service charge is calculated based on the rate in the dollar $ for GRV which is set independently for each country town sewerage scheme and published each year in the Water Services (Water Corporations Charges) Regulations 2014. For full details see our Regional sewerage schemes charges.
- Minimum annual charge ($) $288.94,
- Maximum charge (for vacant land held for residential purposes) $1,198.78
Vacant lots created by subdivision
Vacant lots created by subdivision receive an exemption from service charges for up to 12 months from the approval date. The exemption ends when one of the following occurs:
- the property is sold within the 12 month exemption period
- a water or sewer connection is made to the property within the exemption period
- the 12-month exemption period expires.
Multiple residences or strata titled residential units served by one meter
The number of residences are taken into consideration when they share a water meter or account.
Water service charges
- Multiple Residences - the water service charge of $264.35, this charge is multiplied by the number of residences.
For example, 10 residences x $264.35 = $2643.50
- Strata titled residential units – the water service charge is $264.35
Sewerage and drainage charges are based on a property’s rateable value, or gross rental value (GRV). When we issue one account for a group of residences, the rateable value is multiplied by the number of residences. For example, for 10 residences:
- Sewerage – 4.410 cents applies to the first 10 x $20,500 = $205,000 of the rateable value.
3.256 cents applies to each dollar thereafter.
The minimum sewerage charge for 10 residences is 10 x $439.10 = $4,391
- Drainage – The minimum charge would be 10 x $123.79 = $1237.90
If a number of residences are sharing a meter, the amount of water at each tier is multiplied by the number of residences. For example, for 10 residences 10 x 150 kilolitres (kL) = 1,500 kL is available at the first price tier.
Caravan bays
Long-term residential and strata titled caravan parks are charged at different rates to other homes.
Water service charge
The annual water service charge is $191.20 per bay.
Sewerage service charge
The sewerage service charge is $337.18. Volume charges for sewerage also apply if you discharge more than 75 kilolitres (kL) of wastewater. The charge is $3.752 per kL discharged.
| 0–150 kL |
$1.827 / kL |
| Over 150 kL |
$2.518 / kL |
| Steps |
0–150kL |
Over 150kL |
| 1 |
$1.827
|
$2.597 |
| 2 |
$1.827
|
$2.830 |
| 3 |
$1.827
|
$3.078 |
| 4 |
$1.827 |
$3.354 |
| 5 |
$1.827
|
$3.653 |
| 6 |
$1.827
|
$3.977 |
| 7 |
$1.827
|
$4.332 |
| 8 |
$1.827
|
$4.716 |
| 9 |
$1.827 |
$5.136 |
| 10 |
$1.827
|
$5.593 |
| 11 |
$1.827
|
$6.089 |
| 12 |
$1.827
|
$6.631 |
| 13 |
$1.827
|
$7.221 |
| 14 |
$1.827
|
$7.864 |
| 15 |
$1.827
|
$8.562 |
Discounts for Aboriginal communities
Residential land that is occupied as a communal property where several families live, and also manage the land, receive the following discounts:
Water service charges
The discount for the yearly water service charge is now capped at $108.86 (from 1 July 2016). The yearly charge (after discount) is $155.49.
Sewerage service charges
The yearly charge is $120.71 per fixture.
Metropolitan customers receive a 50% discount on the first 150 kilolitres (kL) of water used in the billing year (the billing year begins at your first meter read in July or August).
The tiered water use pricing structure is detailed here:
| Water use |
Price per kilolitre |
| 0–150 kL |
91.35 cents |
| 151–500 kL |
$2.434 |
| Over 501 kL |
$4.553 |
Customers in northern country towns receive a 50% discount on the first 600 kilolitres (kL) of water used in the billing year (the billing year begins at your first meter read in July or August).
What class is my town in?
Country north town classes
The tiered water use pricing structure is detailed here.
| Usage per year |
Class 1
|
Class 2
|
Class 3
|
Class 4
|
Class 5
|
| First 350kL |
$0.698 |
$0.914 |
$0.914 |
$0.914 |
$0.914 |
| Next 150 kL |
$0.929 |
$1.217 |
$1.217 |
$1.217 |
$1.217 |
| Next 100 kL |
$1.066 |
$1.466 |
$1.953 |
$2.296 |
$2.701 |
| Next 150 kL |
$2.131 |
$2.932 |
$3.906 |
$4.592 |
$5.402 |
| Over 750 kL |
$2.488 |
$3.740 |
$4.979 |
$6.887 |
$9.289 |
Customers in southern country towns receive a 50% discount on the first 400 kilolitres (kL) of water used in the billing year (the billing year begins at your first meter read in July or August).
What class is my town in?
Country south town classes
The tiered water use pricing structure is detailed here.
|
Usage per year
|
Class 1
|
Class 2
|
Class 3
|
Class 4
|
Class 5
|
| First 150 kL |
$0.698 |
$0.914 |
$0.914 |
$0.914 |
$0.914 |
| Next 150 kL |
$0.929 |
$1.217 |
$1.217 |
$1.217 |
$1.217 |
| Next 100 kL |
$1.066 |
$1.466 |
$1.953 |
$2.296 |
$2.701 |
| Next 150 kL |
$2.131 |
$2.932 |
$3.906 |
$4.592 |
$5.402 |
| Over 550 kL |
$2.488 |
$3.740 |
$4.979 |
$6.887 |
$9.289
|
Pricing in the South West
There are 3 main water service utilities in the South West region. Visit the relevant website for current pricing structures:
Water use charge variations for Denham customers
We operate a saline water service and a desalinated water service in Denham. Saline water is for outdoor use only.
Denham customers receive a combined bill for water use and service charges every 2 months. Charges for water use from each water source are separated on the bill and clearly show the amount used and charges applicable for each source.
Each residence is allowed a quota of 18 kilolitres (kL) for each 2 month billing period. Water used within this quota is charged at a set rate and then increases if more than the quota is used.
| Two-monthly consumption |
Price per kilolitre |
| Up to 18 kL |
67.7 cents |
| Next 3 kL (18–21kL) |
$4.982 |
| Over quota (21+kL) |
$15.522 |
Quotas are based on 4 people residing in a household. To increase your quota, please contact us on 13 13 85.
Brighton estate third pipe charge
For the water supply scheme that supplies Brighton Estate in Butler, we operate a 'third pipe' which supplies non-potable water for use outside the home.
If this service is available at your property you are charged a fixed fee.
- For lots less than 400m2 the charge is $82.34
- For lots greater than or equal to 400m2 the charge is $164.69
These charges are spread across your bills every 2 months, combined with your water use and other service charges.