What does fairness mean when it comes to water pricing?
We’re continuing our conversation about the future of water and sewer services on the Central Coast, and we want your view on what's fair.
Your views will help us make sure any future changes are fair and reflect the diversity of households across our community, whether you’re a renter, homeowner, pensioner, large family, or small household.
When we adjust water prices, we can structure how the bill is split in different ways – through fixed service charges and usage-based charges. Each approach affects people differently depending on how much water they use, the size of their household, and their personal situation.
As part of its water and sewer pricing review, Central Coast Council has been engaging with the community. We’ve already heard from a wide range of voices through a People’s Panel, stakeholder workshops, community forums, and pop-up events. Over 1,133 survey respondents have shared their views so far, and now we’re inviting you to have your say through this survey. Your input will help shape future decisions about how your bill is structured when it comes to fixed service charges and usage-based charges, and ensure we strike the right balance for our diverse community.
Understanding Your Water Bill Before we begin, here’s a quick overview:
- Service charges are fixed fees. These charges help cover the cost of making water and sewerage services available to your property, including the maintenance of infrastructure. Everyone who is subject to service charges pays for those charges, according to the categorisation their property, no matter how much water they use.
- Usage charges are based on the amount of water you actually use. The more water you use, the higher this part of your bill.
Below is an example of the average water usage breakdown for a family of two adults and one child.
Feel free to utilise our water calculator for a better understanding of the breakdown.
