Water restrictions and the cost of water

Water restrictions are currently being reviewed by a South Australian Parliamentary Committee.

The water restriction review will examine the price of water and the use of private bores. Greens MP Mark Parnell said it is time water pricing and restrictions changed to give south Australians more flexibility and reward them for being efficient with their water use.

This has come as SA Water reported a fall in the number of people who support, abide by and are aware of water restrictions. SA Water announced on the 28th of April that they are introducing a new billing system to encourage water efficiency. The new billing system will involve charging for water use each quarter.

This price change should provide South Australians with an incentive to be water wise and will also be used to fund the desalination plant. Currently South Australians are charged $0.71 per kilolitre used between 0-120kL, $1.38 per kilolitre used between 120-520kL and $1.65 per kilolitre over 520kL.

The new charges for water will be $0.97 per kilolitre used between 0 – 120kL, $1.88 per kilolitre used between 120kL and $2.26 per kilolitre used above 520kL. The fixed annual water supply charge will change from $157.40 to $137.60. From the 1st of July 2009 the new billing system will be in place. Unless the review decides to tighten water restrictions MTA members can continue to use the SA water permits for vehicle washing. With the increasing cost of water perhaps it is time for you to consider options for making your business water wise.