By Charlene Gatt
HOUSEHOLD owners in the West have been warned to brace for bill shock come July when City West Water will hike up its usage and service charges.
From 1 July, water usage charges will rise by 15.7 per cent and water service charges will go up 10.5 per cent, adding an extra $104.52 a year to the average water bill. The increases have been approved by the Essential Services Commission.
City West Water Managing Director Anne Barker said the price increases were necessary to enable the State Government and Melbourne’s water companies to plan for the city’s long-term water needs.
“With the increasing variability of rainfall over Melbourne’s catchments, we need to look to alternative supplies of water for Melbourne, including water recycling, desalinated water and stormwater harvesting,” Ms Barker said.
“Traditional catchments will continue to provide the bulk of our water supplies in years when there is good rainfall.
“Alternative supplies of water come with increased costs which need to be paid for by all users.”
Ms Barker said even with the increases, the average water bill in the West was still among the cheapest of any major Australian city.
But for Werribee couple Ellen Hamden, 22, and Chris Camilleri, 23, the price hike is going to stall their dreams of buying their first home.
“We’re only on one income right now which will stretch our budget even further than it already is,” Ms Hamden said.
“It means less money to save for a house, it’s frustrating.”
Ms Hamden said the couple would now try and restrict the amount of water they’re using to keep costs low.
“We’ve already got water-saving showerheads and everything, but it’s still going to make it harder.”
