Water Rate Changes

THE Upper Hunter Shire Council has issued water rates, but the rates have changed causing some residents to question their bills.

Cr Lee Watts said Council had changed the way rates are structured commencing on July 1 which will to coincide with part of the summer billing period.

“Council voted to increase the initial threshold of base water use from 75 kilolitres to 100 kilolitres during the last two quarters of the year,” said Cr Watts.

“People all naturally use more water during summer on their gardens, topping up their pools and having the sprinkler on for longer, even for the kids to play under,” she said.

“So it seemed more fair to increase the threshold for the hotter months, than for the winter period,” she said.

“The fees are $2.18 kl up to 75 kl in the cooler months and fees are $2.18 up to 100 kl in the Summer months anything above this is charges at $3.35kl,” Cr Lee Watts explained.

On the current water rates:

• the first kilolitres listed is the amount of water used up to June 30 and charged at $2.13;
• the second kilolitres listed is the amount of water used from July 1 and is charged at $2.18 and
• if you have used more than 75kl in one or both periods the rate charge will have one or two additional lines of charges.

Access Charges:

• Council raises 75 percent of water income through usage charges and 25 percent through access charges.
• The access charges have decreased and the usage charges have increased as part of a revised pricing structure, in line with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal principles.
• The charges to individuals depends on the size of the water service.The access charge for Aberdeen, Cassilis, Merriwa and Scone for a 20mm water service is $210.00 and Murrurundi is $276.00 per annum.

Usage Charges by Town:

• Step One per quarter $2.18 per kilolitre;
• Step Two per quarter $3.35 per kilolitre.

• Step One per quarter $2.45 per kilolitre;
• Step Two per quarter $3.35 per kilolitre.

Non-residential users will be charged at the usage rates of $2.30 per kilolitre for Aberdeen, Cassilis, Merriwa and Scone, $3.18 per kilolitre for Murrurundi.

Step Structure:

• During the first two quarters, step one allowance is used for the first 75kl.
• During the second two quarters, step one allowance is used for the first 100kl.
• Non-residential users will be charged at the usage rates of $2.30 per kilolitre for Aberdeen, Cassilis, Merriwa and Scone, $3.18 per kilolitre for Murrurundi.

For more information on water rate charges read: 2018/2019 Information for Rate Payers.