Water and sewer charges explained

Sewer charges

Step 1.Residential charges

The residential sewerage charge is based per tenancy, for assessments connected to Council’s sewerage service network as set out below: 

Charge

Availability Charge per annum

Residential Sewer Access Charge

$999

Residential Unmetered Sewer Access Charge

Unconnected properties - which can be connected (vacant land within <75m of sewer mains)

$780

 

Step 2.Non-residential charges

Meter Size

Availability Charge per annum

20 mm

$537

25 mm

$732

32 mm

$1,191

40 mm

$1,842

50 mm

$2,844

80 mm

$7,257

100 mm

$11,334

150 mm

$25,434

200 mm

$25,434

Unconnected properties which are able to connect (business - vacant land within <75m of sewer mains)

$537

CDB Low - no discharge

$999

CBD Medium - no discharge

$2,334

CBD High - no discharge

$4,083

Non-Residential sewer discharge (sewer treatment charge) is calculated using a formula prescribed by the NSW Department of Water Best Practises guidelines.

The formula is: Discharge = Consumption Rate x Discharge Factor x Water usage

Note: Council reserves the right to change or review the relevant discharge factor in individual circumstances.

Charges for sewer usage (by meter measurement) will be charged at the standard usage charge of $2.00 per kilolitre.
 

Example non-residential sewer change for 2024/2025

Assumptions:

Water Consumption (C) = 500 kL per annum

Sewer Discharge Factor (SDF) = 0.7

20mm Water Meter (AC) = $537

Sewerage Treatment Charge (STC) = $2.00

Annual Bill:

= AC + (C x STC) x SDF
= $537 + (500 x 2.00) x 0.7
= $537 + $700
= $1,237

Step 3.Liquid Trade Waste

Non-Residential trade waste discharge (liquid trade waste treatment charge) is calculated using a formula prescribed by NSW by the NSW Department of Water Best Practises guidelines.

The formula is: Discharge = Consumption Rate x Discharge Factor x Water usage

Note: Council reserves the right to change or review the relevant discharge factor in individual circumstances.

Charges for sewer usage (by meter measurement) will be charged at the standard usage charge of $1.64 per kilolitre.

Example non-residential trade waste charge for 2024/2025

Assumptions:

Water Consumption (C) = 500 kL per annum
Trade Waste Discharge Factor (TWDF) = 0.5
Trade Waste Treatment Charge (TWC) = $1.60

Annual Bill:

= (C x TWC) x TWDF
= (500 x 1.64) x 0.5
= $410

For more information on Liquid Trade Waste click here

Urban stormwater charges

As provided in Section 496A of the Local Government Act 1993, Council introduced a Stormwater charge in 2007/2008.  The charge applies to all developed lots that benefit from Council’s stormwater system whether built or natural with expenditure of the funds collected recorded and reported annually.

The income from this charge will be expended on both capital projects and recurrent expenditure programs where applicable.  Primarily, the stormwater management service charge will be spent on:

  • Planning, construction and maintenance of drainage systems, including pipes, channels, retarding basins and waterways receiving urban stormwater; and
  • Design and investigation costs associated with implementing urban stormwater catchment management plans
  • Planning, construction and maintenance of stormwater harvesting and re-use projects
  • Monitoring of flows in drains and creeks, to assess the effectiveness for flow management (flooding) controls, and
  • Other eligible costs relating to urban stormwater management as identified.

Council determines the priority and specific projects and areas that would receive funding from the charge, examples of immediately sites or activities are;

  • Ulong Street CBD Drainage-Design
  • Kooyoo Street Redevelopment (drainage infrastructure)
  • Yambil Street, Griffith (drainage infrastructure due to storm water flooding events)
  • Storm water management planning for the Griffith Local Government Area (upgrading of Catchment Management Plans)

Proposed Expenditure would include:

  • Design plans
  • Project management costs
  • Purchase of materials or contracts relating to installing drainage systems
  • Non-permanent employee costs relating specifically to urban storm water projects
  • Consultancy fees relating to flood mitigation studies and catchment management.

Water access and charges

Step 1.Water Access Charges

The access charge is designed to cover some of the costs incurred by Council in providing infrastructure such as reservoirs, pump stations and reticulation systems. Because of the fixed nature of the costs incurred by Council in operating the infrastructure, the access charge applies to all properties able to connect to the system regardless of whether or not a connection is in place.

All properties located within 225m of a water main, and can be connected to Councils water mains will be levied an access charge.

Some and may be exempt from water access charges, further information can be obtained from Revenue Staff.

Step 2.Water Use Charges

The potable water usage charge for 2024/2025 is set at $0.86 per kilolitre for the first 200kL per meter, per year, then $1.82 thereafter.

Raw water usage charge for 2024/2025 is set at $0.48 per kilolitre per meter, per year.

The water consumption charges are designed to meet the fixed and variable operating costs related to the provision of water supply.

The water access charges for the 2024/2025 financial year are set out in the following table.

Meter Size

Access Charge

Charge per kL $

20 mm

$153

$0.86 first 200 kL, then $1.78 thereafter

25 mm

$231

 $0.86 first 200 kL, then $1.78 thereafter

32 mm

$363

 $0.86 first 200 kL, then $1.78 thereafter

40 mm

$561

 $0.86 first 200 kL, then $1.78 thereafter

50 mm

$867

 $0.86 first 200 kL, then $1.78 thereafter

80 mm

$2,190

 $0.86 first 200 kL, then $1.78 thereafter

100 mm

$3,417

 $0.86 first 200 kL, then $1.78 thereafter

150 mm

$7,671

 $0.86 first 200 kL, then $1.78 thereafter

200 mm

$7,671

 $0.86 first 200 kL, then $1.78 thereafter

Yenda Dual Meters

$231

potable - $0.86first 200 kL, then $1.78,
raw - $0.48per kL

Strata Title Units

$291

not applicable

CBD Unmetered Low

$606

not applicable

CBD Unmetered Medium

$1,059

not applicable

CBD Unmetered High

$3,858

not applicable

Unconnected properties - which can be connected (vacant land within <225m of water mains)

$153

not applicable

 

Water and sewer charges explained

Step 1.How often does Council charge water and sewer?

The billing period for water and sewer accounts is three times a year.

Step 2.How often does Council read the meters and do they estimate the bills?

Meters are read every four months. Council endeavours to avoid estimating any water reads and only on rare occasions it is necessary. Council will attempt to contact the landowner to provide Council with a read if access to the property is not possible or safe ie. dogs or locked gates.

Step 3.How is water usage calculated?

Your water consumption charge is billed with two price steps:

  1. Up to the first 200 kl is charged at step 1: $0.86 per kilolitre per annum
    Over 200kl is charged at step 2: $1.82 per kilolitre. 
  2. 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.

Step 4.What do I do if I have a high water meter read?

It's really important to know what's going on at your house when it comes to water and usage particularly during the summer months as patterns of water use increase.

Have you noticed:

  • greener patches around your yard?
  • you can constantly hear running water?
  • you've received a higher than usual water bill?

If yes, you might have an undetected leak at your premises.

Try these tips to check for a water 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's incorrect please take a photo as proof of the discrepancy and contact Council’s Revenue Department 02 6962 8466
  • Read the meter, wait a few hours and then re-read meter and compare the figures. If no water has been used during this time, the figures should remain the same. If the read has increased or you notice the dials are slowly moving that 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 toilet, dishwasher, washing machine, hot water system, evaporative air conditioner. Faulty or leaking appliances can lose considerable amounts of water in a short period of time
  • New watering systems could also be a contributing factor to an increase in water usage

If you've experienced an undetected leak at your property, you may be eligible for a one-off adjustment on your water consumption. Please contact Council’s Revenue Department on 02 6962 8466 for more information.

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