The Illawarra and Sydney regions enjoy water from the dams of Shoalhaven. Although this boosted the local water resources, some residents still pay high water usage bills.

Since Hills District consumes Sydney Water, the IPART cushions residents against higher costs during water scarcity by rewarding water conservation. Understanding how your water consumption gets billed and the average water bill in the Hills District will help you budget for utilities.

Let’s explore the cost of water in Hills District and insightful tips to help you save water.

Average Water Costs

Sydney Water supplies and bills water for residents of Hills District. Sydney Water supplies water to over five million people in the Blue Mountains, Illawarra and Greater Sydney.

On average, one household consumes about 0.56 kiloliters (Kl) daily, which is 3.92 kilolitres per week and 203.84 Kl per year. Currently, drinking water costs $2.35 per Kl; you can estimate water costs of about $9.21 per week or $479.02 annually.

If you have a metre, the service charge is $24.30 per quarter and $119.77 without a metre.

Water Cost Components

In the Hills District, Sydney Water has fixed charges which cover service fees to maintain efficient water and wastewater services.

There’s also a fixed charge of $19.55 for stormwater. However, it only applies if your home lies within the designated stormwater catchment areas. If so, the amounts will be clear on your bill.

Additional Charges

Your bill can also include additional charges such as:

• Dishonour Payment Fees

If your water bill payment fails because your financial institution dishonours the request, you'll incur a dishonour fee and any related bank charges.

• Late Payment Fees

If your water bill passes the due date indicated, Sydney Water often charges interest or a late payment fee.

• Metre Reading

Water metre readings occur once every three months. If you prefer a monthly water bill, you’ll incur an additional fee to cover the monthly reading.

Tips for Reducing Your Bills & Savings

There are various effective ways to save on water consumption at home, such as:

• Shortening Your Showers

Showers consume a significant amount of household usage, often above 17%. You can reduce this usage by taking showers for three to five minutes.

You can achieve this by shaving, washing your hair separately, and setting a timer to help you monitor the time.

• Repairing Leaks

A single leak can waste hundreds of litres, which you pay for in your water bill. Ensure you inspect your pipes and faucets periodically to avoid such leaks.

• Installing a Rainwater Tank

Rainwater is free and ideal for various uses outside your home. For instance, you can use the water to wash your driveway, car, or pets or irrigate your flowers or garden.

• Using a Dishwasher Instead of Hand Washing Dishes

A dishwasher is more economical than washing your dishes using running water. Ensure you only run the dishwasher when full to minimise how frequently you use it. It also saves electricity costs since the water gets heated internally.

Conclusion

The water costs fluctuate, but you can effectively reduce your water bills by being attentive to the amount of water you consume. Comparing your bill with your neighbour's and the average cost of water in Hills District can motivate you to become more proactive in conservation.