People living and working in Wollongong often worry about the price of water. It’s a significant contributor to the cost of living. Too high and it can start to affect your quality of life, taking money away from other items and expenses.

That’s why we’ve created this post. Here, you’ll learn how much water bills cost the average resident, what elements go into calculating the cost of water, and how to cut your expenses in the future.

Water Cost components

Water bills break down into several components related to the cost of supplying water to your home. Water companies may itemise these on your invoices, showing you how much you’re paying for each element.

Fees usually break down into two components:

1. Fixed daily charges you need to pay for connection to the provider’s water, stormwater, and wastewater networks

2. Variable fees based on how much water you use

Therefore, you’ll see a fixed fee on your bill (which applies even if you don’t use any water) and a variable one based on your usage. The fixed cost pays for basic network costs, such as maintaining pipework, while the variable one covers the cost of pumping water to your home.

Average Water Costs

The average annual water bill in Wollongong varies. In drought years, water bills may rise to $1,250 per year. In non-drought years, you can expect to pay $1,000. Variable costs comprise approximately 40% to 60% of your total water bill.

Tips for Reducing Your Bills

If your water bills are a little high, there are many strategies you can use to reduce your costs. Here’s what you need to do.

Install Low-Flow Showerheads

Low-flow showerheads give you the sensation of being drenched while using significantly less water, helping you reduce overall consumption. They may reduce water usage by up to 40%.

Take Shorter Showers

You can also take shorter showers. The average shower consumes between 6 and 45 litres of water per minute. Therefore, cutting the length from 10 to 5 minutes could save 225 litres daily.

Check Your Pipework For Leaks

Leaking mains pipes isn't your responsibility. However, leaky pipes on your property could be forcing your bills up.

To check for leaking pipes, turn off all faucets and water-using appliances in your home for a day and see if the number on the water metre goes up. If it does, it suggests you have a hidden water leak and require professional assistance.

Fill Your Dishwasher

Don’t put your dishwasher on a half load. Instead, wait until it’s full before beginning a cycle. Also, choose “eco” settings if your machine has them, as these typically use less water.

Wash Your Clothes By Hand

Lastly, consider washing your clothes by hand. Using this method can often reduce water consumption by 50% or more.

With water costs in Wollongong going up, residents need to do everything they can to keep their bills under control. Checking pipes for leaks, using low-flow showerheads and washing clothes by hand can all help.