Fee increases to cover rising costs, new projects and infrastructure upgrades are being proposed by Shoalhaven Water in the draft budget 2025-26.
The water utility services more than 54,000 properties across the Shoalhaven, while managing in excess of $2 billion in infrastructure, including 13 wastewater treatment plants, four water treatment plants, 260 pumping stations, four dams and more than 3,200 km of water and sewer pipelines.
Acting Director, Matthew Kidd said the increase was part of a 10-year plan to ensure that critical water and sewer infrastructure was maintained and future-proofed for the community.
"We take pride in providing a high-quality service to the community and this increase will allow us to continue improve and maintain everyone's water and sewerage services for years to come," Mr Kidd said.
"As part of our long-term financial planning we are taking the necessary steps to ensure we have the funds to carry out future capital works projects," he said.
"Shoalhaven Water historically has low prices for both water access and water usage charges and we will remain one of the most affordable for water customers in NSW."
The drinking water usage charge will increase from $2.50 to $2.85/kL and the water access charge will increase from $145 to $173. Modelling using a residential customer's average water consumption shows the total increase in customers' annual water and sewer account would be around 10 percent or $164 for the full year.
The long-term financial planning focus for Shoalhaven Water includes:
- Maintenance and renewal of critical infrastructure that is reaching end of life.
- Planning for and delivery of infrastructure to support the growth of the Shoalhaven in new urban release areas along with infill development areas to meet the needs of the region's growing community.
- Delivery of Bamarang to Milton Water Trunk Main Stage 2 project at $175 million. Planning and design is under way with construction to begin in 2030.
- Major sewerage treatment plant refurbishment as part of the Northern Water Recycling Plants at $100 million. Early feasibility and design has begun with construction to begin in 2030.
To be across the full implications of the changes, customers are encouraged to use Shoalhaven Water's online tool to calculate water bills for 2025-26.
The proposed fees and charges are on exhibition until 29 May, as part of Council's draft Delivery Program Operational Plan and draft budget 2025-26. Information and feedback options are available on Council's Get Involved page.
