Water Supply Pricing Policy
In accordance with guidelines produced by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, Council is required to adopt an appropriate pricing policy for water supply services and sewerage services delivery charges. Such a pricing policy requires that all relevant costs are charged to the correct area and charges for the services are calculated on a complete user pays system.
In recognising Council’s obligation to adopt an appropriate pricing policy all former water allowances have been eliminated. All consumers now receive a water rate or base charge which reflects the fact that a water service is available within close proximity to the property. A per kilolitre charge for all water consumed is then charged. A meter connected to the supply records usage, with accounts issued on a quarterly basis.
How much a consumer pays is now entirely dependent on the consumption patterns. This removes any possibility of any cross subsidisation and will over time assist in assessing the true value of a reticulated waster supply.
Wilcannia Water Supply Service
The Service is provided to supply both filtered and raw water to residents in the township of Wilcannia and also to provide a rural water supply. The rural supply does not have an annual usage allowance, and as such is charged a standard excess water charge per kilolitre used. The Service is available 24 hours a day all year round.
This service benefits residents in a specific area of the Council and as such should not receive a subsidy from the general rate.
The price of this service should be set at a rate sufficient to enable the recovery of annual operating and maintenance costs and to enable a contribution to be made towards the cost of replacement of the infrastructure assets utilised in providing the service.
Cost levels of previous years have been maintained and no additional or increased charges are proposed. This situation will need to be constantly monitored as the supply of potable water continues to be an issue. While a number of options are being explored the current pricing structure is based on sourcing and treating water from existing bores and the Darling River.
In the event of severe water shortage, Rural users will no longer be connected to the town supply until such time as water supply has been increased. Rural users can obtain water by carting from the algal bore located at Warrawong Farm in Wilcannia.
Minimum charge:
| Properties connected: | |
| Raw Water / Rural | $782.00 |
| Filtered Water | $199.00 |
| Properties not Connected: | |
| Raw Water / Rural | $131.00 |
| Filtered Water | $131.00 |
Water Charges:
| Charge per kilolitre used | |
| Rateable properties - Urban: | |
| Raw Water | $0.00/kl |
| Filtered Water | $3.50/kl |
| Rateable properties - Rural: | |
| Raw Water | $3.50/kl |
| Filtered Water | $3.50/kl |
| Non-rateable properties: | |
| Raw Water | $3.50/kl |
| Filtered Water | $3.50/kl |
Ivanhoe Water Supply Service
The Service is provided to supply both filtered and raw water to residents in the township of Ivanhoe and also to provide a rural water supply. The rural supply does not have an annual usage allowance, and as such is charged a standard excess water charge per kilolitre used. The Service is available 24 hours a day all year round.
The price of this service should be set at a rate sufficient to enable the recovery of annual operating and maintenance costs and to enable a contribution to be made towards the cost of replacement of the infrastructure assets utilised in providing the service.
Minimum charge:
| Properties connected: | |
| Raw Water / Rural | $389.00 |
| Filtered Water | $231.00 |
| Properties not Connected: | |
| Raw Water / Rural | $174.00 |
| Filtered Water | $174.00 |
Water Charges:
| Charge per kilolitre used | |
| Rateable properties: | |
| Raw Water | $1.70/kl |
| Filtered Water | $3.90/kl |
| Non-rateable properties: | |
| Raw Water | $3.90/kl |
| Filtered Water | $4.70/kl |
White Cliffs Water Supply Service
The Service is provided to supply non-potable water to residents in the township of White Cliffs. The Service is available 24 hours a day all year round.
The price of this service is set at a rate sufficient to enable the recovery of annual operating and maintenance costs and to enable a contribution to be made towards the cost of replacement of the infrastructure assets utilised in providing the service.
Provisions for doubtful debts and depreciation on infrastructure are not included in the listed schedule. The current pricing structure is considered to be adequate to cover anticipated costs and to provide for an increase in the restricted asset of this fund for future works.
Minimum Charge:
| Properties connected: | |
| Non Potable Water | $752.00 |
| Properties Not connected: | |
| Non Potable Water | $658.00 |
| Non-rateable: | |
| Non Potable Water | $752.00 |
Water Charge:
| Charge per kilolitre used | |
| Rateable properties: | |
| Non potable | $3.80/kl |
| Non-Rateable properties: | |
| Non Potable Water | $3.80/kl |
