Water usage has gone down an average six per cent across the state over the past year due mainly to higher rainfall.
The bonus for households, according to the latest report from the state’s economic regulator of water, was lower water bills with the average household paying $32, or three per cent less than the previous year. The Essential Services Commission annual water sector performance report found customers of 13 of the state’s 16 urban water businesses had reductions between $10 and $94.
The Essential Services Commission director of water Marcus Crudden says the report also found most Victorian customers received good quality, reliable water services over 2016–17.
“Overall, the sector is performing well with the top performers on a range of measures being East Gippsland Water, Goulburn Valley Water and South East Water,” he said.
North East Water and Goulburn Valley Water customers had the lowest annual bills on average at $859 and $883 respectively while GWMWater (Grampians Wimmera Mallee) and Coliban Water were at the other end of the scale with average household bills over $1300.
Mr Crudden says overall, the sector is performing well.
“Most businesses improved or maintained on key measures like quality drinking water and supporting customers experiencing payment difficulties,” he said.
