Understanding Your Water And Sewerage Bills

Griffith Council has conducted water meter readings during January and February capturing data for the 2nd-trimester water and sewer accounts for 2023-2024.

The billing statements will be dispatched in the coming days.

Analysis of the data reveals a notable increase in consumption during this period, registering a rise of approximately 30 per cent compared to the same time last year.

This surge is attributed to the hotter and drier weather conditions, compared to the previous summer months.

To assist residents in understanding their water and sewer accounts and how they are calculated, Council recommends referring to useful advice provided.

Additionally, practical tips on meter checking and reading, along with guidance on addressing high readings or potential leaks, are offered.

Council Director of Utilities Graham Gordon recognised the complexity of the information contained in the bills.

“A typical bill has three charges, the water consumption charge - this is the amount of water you use - water access charge and sewerage charges - which are both fixed fees,” Mr Gordon said.

“Your water bill will show how much water you used between your previous water meter read and your current water meter read.

“The bill also shows how much water you used in the previous period. “This will vary depending on the time of year.

“For example, you would expect higher consumption during the warmer summer months and this latest bill was read in January/February.”

Each water bill also includes a graph showing the amount of water used for the current billing period (kilolitres) compared to the previous three billing periods.

How is the water usage calculated?

Your water consumption charge is billed with two price steps:

• Up to the first 200 Kl is charged at step 1: $0.83 per kilolitre per annum; and
• Over 200 kilolitres are charged at step 2: $1.76 per kilolitre.

All price details appear on the back of the Water and Sewer notices to assist in understanding how to read your water and sewer account.

Other considerations include:

• Don’t compare prices with your previous year’s bill as pricing changes every year.
• Meters are Council property and will be replaced depending on the age of the meter.
• Residential sewer access is charged per occupancy (tenancy) including separate granny flats.
• Vacant blocks of land will be charged a water meter access within 225 metres of the main and sewer access if within 75 metres of the main.

The water consumption charge is based on the amount of water you use and the water access charge is based on the size of the water meter to your property.

Both are calculated so that Council can recoup the cost of the production (running of the water treatment plant) and delivery (through Council’s water main network) of drinking water to the customer.

This also applies to the sewerage charge, it is charged either as non-residential or residential.

For further information go to Council’s website at www.griffith.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 176 077.

What to do if you have a high water meter read?

• Know what is going on at your house when it comes to water and usage, particularly as the days heat up and patterns of water use increase.
• If you notice greener patches around the yard, can hear running water, or you’ve received a higher-than-usual water bill, you may have an undetected leak.
• Check the meter and ensure the read corresponds to what appears on your current water and sewer account. (Read the black number dials on your meter.) If it is incorrect, take a photo as evidence of the discrepancy and contact the Council’s Revenue Department on 6962 8466.
• Read the meter and wait a few hours, re-read the meter and compare the figures. If no water has been used in this time, the figures should remain the same. If the read has increased or you notice the dials are slowing moving, it may indicate a water leak. You may need to contact a certified plumber to inspect and carry out any repairs if necessary.
• Check for leaks and inspect household appliances, pipes or fittings. This could include a toilet, dishwasher, washing machine, hot water system, and evaporative air conditioner. Faulty or leaking appliances can lose considerable amounts of water in a short period.
• New watering systems could also be a contributing factor to an increase in water usage.

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