The Gold Coast has a reputation for being an expensive place to live, so finding ways to cut back on the cost of living in any way is a big relief, especially as water bills can take a big chunk out of monthly household earnings.
Knowing how much residents are paying for their water and how prices compare to other cities in Australia can help you plan your budget as well as determine your choices around future decisions to move location, install a pool or spa or perhaps even introduce a rainwater tank.
| State | Average Quarterly Water Bill |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | $200 |
| Queensland | $240 |
| South Australia | $205 |
| Victoria | $191 |
| Western Australia | $204 |
Source: Canstar Blue Survey, January 2023.
According to the latest Canstar Blue survey, the average water bill for a typical household in Gold Coast is around $240 per quarter or $960 per year. The exact figure you’ll see on your bills can vary significantly, depending on the size of your household, the amount of water you use and the type of property you have. We’ll go into the details of what makes up an average bill in this article.
It is worth noting that the cost of water bills in Gold Coast is relatively high compared to other cities in Australia. This is due to being located in a region that experiences periods of drought, which puts pressure on the water supply as well as increases the cost of water treatment and delivery.
Who sets Gold Coast’s water price?
The price of water in Gold Coast is overseen by the Queensland Government’s independent pricing regulator, the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA). Because there is no competition from other companies the QCA has been set up to regulate the maximum price that each region’s water providers can charge.
The QCA reviews water supply costs, demand and delivery every four years to determine a fair price, taking into account the cost of infrastructure and the level of service provided to customers.
How Water Prices are Determined on the Gold Coast
The cost of water on the Gold Coast bills is determined by various factors, including service and delivery costs, treatment, demand and the current natural resources available.
Water Treatment and Delivery
In order for water to be safely used in homes it needs to be treated to remove bacteria and the materials found at the source, like dirt and debris. Treatment services occur both for water into the home, as well as water removal.
Infrastructure
Water storage requires modern infrastructure and essential maintenance as well as the technology to operate to the highest standards. All running costs need to be recovered so that water quality isn’t compromised.
Demand
Water is a limited resource so the higher the demand, the greater the price. In wet season demand is less of an issue, but it can mean water is more polluted at the source due to runoff, erosion and raised water levels.
Consumption
The more water you use the more you’ll need to pay. As well as larger households, pools and spas, lawns and thirsty gardens will need more water than small gardens and native plants.
Current Water Price in Gold Coast
The current water price for 2023 on the Gold Coast is outlined below. How much you pay will depend on how much water you use as well as fixed charges from your provider.
There are a number of different charges you need to be aware of:
1. Water usage charge
This is your water usage (volume of water that passes through your metre). This can be charged in two ways.
State Government bulk water charge
The wholesale bulk water cost. Currently set at $3.371 per kilolitre
City of Gold Coast charge
Gold Coast council charge to cover service costs. Currently set at $1.346 per kilolitre
2. Water access charge
The fixed charge for water delivery. Currently $269.50 per year (charged at a daily rate of $0.7363).
3. Sewerage access charge
Fixed sewage removal charge for the treatment and safe removal of water from your home. Currently $724.12 per year (charged at a daily rate of $1.9784).
These charges are for residential homes, with differences applied to strata buildings and businesses. Check with your local government website or service provider to find out if these apply to you.
Average Water Bills in Gold Coast
A typical household in the Gold Coast uses around 160kL of water a year (that’s 2.5 people each using 169 litres each per day).
| Service to average household | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Bulk water usage (metered 160kL) | $539 |
| Gold Coast usage (metered 160kL) | $215 |
| Service charges water (fixed) | $269 |
| Service changes sewage (fixed) | $724 |
| Total yearly water bill | $1,737 |
The exact figure you’ll see on your bills can vary significantly from this depending on the size of your household, the amount of water you use and the type of property you have. In fact, Canstar Blue surveyed 600 Australians in January 2023 about their water bills and found that the average Queensland bill was $240 per quarter or $960 per year.
Understanding Your Water Bill
Your water bill will typically be sent to you every three months and show the costs accrued for that outlined period.
Take the time to read through your bill and understand what you are paying for, that way you can see where you can cut back without making big sacrifices to your lifestyle.
What is Included in Your Water Bill
Your water bill will include charges for both water usage, delivery and sewerage services. These charges will be shown as a total price on the front of your bill and broken down into separate parts in the accounts section.
- Water usage charges: This is the amount you are charged for the water you use, measured in kilolitres (kL) from your water metre. One kL equals 1,000 litres of water. Most Gold Coast homes will be issued both a bulk water charge as well as a Gold Coast charge.
- Water access: This is a set amount that you are charged each billing period, regardless of how much water you use.
- Sewerage services charges: This is the amount you are charged for the treatment and disposal of your wastewater, even if there was no one using the property during the billing period.
Your water usage charges may vary depending on the time of year. During the summer months, when water usage is typically higher, you may be charged a higher rate for your water usage.
Your water bill includes a graph that shows your water usage over the past year. This can help you to understand how your water needs change throughout the year, and identify any areas where you may be able to reduce your water usage.
How to Save Money on Your Water Bill
There are many ways to save money on your water bill without sacrificing your quality of life. If you have the skills to do these light jobs yourself you can, or for the best results, hire a Local Plumber.
Here are a few tips to help you reduce your water usage and lower your water bill:
Fix leaks and running toilets
These issues might look small but can cost you thousands of litres a year.
Install Water-Saving Devices
Some examples of water-saving devices include low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and dual-flush toilets. These devices can reduce your water usage by up to 50%.
Use Water Wisely
By using less water, residents can save money on their water bills and help protect the environment. Some tips to help you use water wisely include:
- Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving
- Taking shorter showers
- Only running the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full
- Watering your garden in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation
Conclusion
While there are some aspects of your water bill you can’t change, other aspects like your water usage volume is something you can vary. Factors such as water usage, property size and location can all impact the final water bill amount, giving you some room to make a difference on your quarterly bill.
Simple measures such as fixing leaky taps, using water-efficient appliances and reducing shower times can all help to contribute towards lower water bills.
When we use water efficiently and responsibly, we help ensure that there is enough water for everyone in the community.
