Pricing

 

City West Water's water and sewerage prices will increase by 19.67% from 1 July 2008.

The price increase will help to fund important projects to ensure a sustainable water future for Melbourne. The ongoing drought, one of the worst on record, has taken its toll on Melbourne’s water storage levels. Climate change is another long-term challenge for Melbourne’s water industry.

We are working with the Victorian Government to plan and manage Melbourne’s water needs for the long-term. We need to invest more in conserving water, recycling water and creating new water sources. These costs are paid for by all users, as we all benefit from having water available.

Water and Sewerage Service Charges

Fixed service charges apply to every titled property that is connected to City West Water's water and/or sewerage system.

The charges for residential customers are:

• Water Service Charge: $126.48 per year ($31.62 every three months)
• Sewerage Service Charge: $134.52 per year ($33.63 every three months)

These charges are billed every three months along with your water volume charges. 

Volume Charges

These are the charges for water that you use. Your total volume charges are made up of two separate charges, Water Usage and Sewage Disposal. 

Water Usage Charge - Step Tariffs

On 1 October 2004 a new pricing structure was introduced based on a three step tariff system to ensure water efficient Victorians are rewarded with lower bills. Step tariffs are based on a user pays system. For each kilolitre of water you use above a specified level of consumption, you will pay more. Step tariffs are widely regarded as the fairest and most effective way to price water to encourage conservation, while recognising the need to provide water for essential domestic use at an affordable price.

Step 1 (0-440 litres per day) $1.0248 per kilolitre
Step 2 (>440-880 litres per day) $1.2025 per kilolitre
Step 3 (>880 litres per day) $1.7766 per kilolitre

The amount of water that you have used is calculated by reading your meter. This occurs approximately every three months. 

Sewage Disposal Charges

The residential sewage disposal charge is $1.3392 per kilolitre from 1 July 2008. This charge is for the part of your water consumption that is discharged to the sewer. Water that is said to be 'discharged to the sewer' is water that you dispose down any inside drains, sinks, toilets, troughs and any other drains that connects to the sewer.

For more information on how your sewage disposal charge is calculated download the Sewage Disposal Charge factsheet under 'More Information'.

Waterways and Drainage Charge

Melbourne Water is responsible for the management of waterways, drainage and floodplains in your area. To date these services have been funded through a drainage rate which will increase on average by 6.1% from 1 July 2008. This charge is now called the Waterways Charge and is billed by City West Water on Melbourne Water’s behalf. Some of you will see the charge on your bills for the first time as Melbourne Water’s area of responsibility has been extended. They are now responsible for the management of waterways, drainage and floodplains in your area. For more information about the charge and the services and projects in your local area visit http://www.melbournewater.com.au/.

Parks Charge

City West Water bills and collects the annual Parks Charge on behalf of Parks Victoria.  This charge helps fund the purchase, development and maintenance of Melbourne’s major parks, gardens and waterways.  This amount is usually charged in the July-September quarter and may be why your account, for that period, seems higher than normal.

The annual minimum amount payable for the Parks Charge has increased by 3% to $55.46.

For further information on the Parks Charge, call Parks Victoria on 131 963 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

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