stainless faucet

What are water rates? Residential property bills in Australia

Water rates are the charges that are levied by water utilities for the supply of water and sewerage services to properties.

Water rates in Australia are typically made up of two components: a fixed charge and a variable charge. The fixed charge is a flat fee that is charged regardless of how much water is used. The variable charge is a charge that is based on the amount of water that is used.

What are the factors that affect water rates?

The amount of water rates that a property owner pays will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the property, the amount of water used, and the location of the property.

How can I save on water rates?

There are a number of ways to save on water rates, including:

  • Installing a water-efficient showerhead and faucets
  • Fixing leaks
  • Washing clothes in cold water
  • Watering the lawn less often
  • Using a rain barrel to collect rainwater

What are the benefits of saving on water rates?

There are a number of benefits to saving on water rates, including:

  • Reducing your monthly water bill
  • Helping to conserve water resources
  • Protecting the environment

How are water rates measured in residential properties?


Water rates in residential properties are typically measured by a water meter. A water meter is a device that measures the amount of water that is used by a property. Water meters are typically installed by water utilities and are used to calculate water rates.

The amount of water that is used is typically measured in kilolitres (kL). A kilolitre is equal to 1,000 litres.

In some cases, water rates in residential properties may also include a charge for storm water management. Storm water management charges are designed to recover the costs of managing storm water runoff from properties.