Shoalhaven Water fees and charges are proposed to increase from July 2024 to cover the increasing costs of providing water and sewer services and infrastructure across the region.
The water utility services more than 50,000 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.
The dramatic increase in operational costs during the last three years has negatively impacted the bottom line of the business. Particularly, the costs of electricity and essential chemicals required for treatment processes have each increased by around 70 per cent during the last three years.
"We pride ourselves on providing a high-quality service at an affordable price to everyone in the Shoalhaven and we need to ensure we are adequately covering costs so we can continue to do this into the future," said Shoalhaven Water Director, Rob Horner.
"After returning consecutive deficit operational budgets in the Water Fund during the last few years, it is essential that we act now to sustain our operations for the long term," Mr Horner said.
"It's integral that we plan and deliver the ongoing maintenance and renewal of our critical infrastructure that connects people to water and sewer at all times," he said.
It is proposed to increase the charges for water usage from $2.00 per kL (1,000 litres) to $2.50 per kL and raise sewer and water availability for all customers.
The total water bill (water and sewer) for residential customers is estimated to increase by approximately $206.50 per year (or $3.97 per week). This is based on an average annual residential water consumption of 155 kL.
Prices of water for industrial and commercial customers would also see an increase in their charges based on the size of the water meter that is connected to the property.
Even with the proposed increases in water usage and availability charges, Shoalhaven Water will remain one of the most affordable for water customers in NSW.
The proposed fees and charges are on exhibition until 5pm Monday 10 June, as part of Council's draft Delivery Program Operational Plan and draft budget 2024-25. Information and feedback options are available on the Shoalhaven Get Involved website.
