As the 2024-25 water charges are now incorporated into your most recent council water rates, many residents have noticed yet another increase in their water bills. Gold Coast residents and businesses are experiencing increases in every aspect of their water pricing.

With rising infrastructure costs, climate change, and growing demand, understanding the updated water pricing and managing consumption has become crucial for households and businesses.

Whywait Plumbing, your trusted local plumbing service, is here to help you navigate these changes and minimise the impact on your water bills through efficient water management and plumbing solutions. With our expertise and experience, we can guide you on how to adapt to the new Gold Coast water costs pricing structure and make the most of your water usage.

Water pricing on the Gold Coast is divided into usage charges and fixed access charges. Here’s a breakdown of the essential costs for 2024-25:

Water Usage Charge:

For each kilolitre (1,000 litres) of water used, measured by your water meter:

• City of Gold Coast Charge: $1.380 per kilolitre
• State Government Bulk Water Charge: $3.444 per kilolitre
• Total Water Usage Charge: $4.824 per kilolitre

Fixed Charges:

In addition to usage-based charges, there are fixed charges that apply for maintaining the connection to the City of Gold Coast’s water and sewer systems, regardless of how much water is used:

• Water Access Charge: $290.00 per year (applied as a daily rate of $0.7945) for ongoing connection to the City of Gold Coast’s water distribution system. This ensures households and businesses remain connected to the water supply infrastructure.
• Sewerage Access Charge: $739.32 per year (applied as a daily rate of $2.0255) for ongoing connection to the City of Gold Coast’s sewerage distribution system. This fee covers the costs of maintaining the sewer network and ensuring reliable waste removal services.

These fixed charges, which are included on your water bill, cover the essential services of delivering clean water and maintaining sewerage systems for homes and businesses across the region.

The water bill above is similar to what most City of Gold Coast residents are receiving. It consists of a combination of water charges for 2023-24 and another set for 2024-25.

The access charges for sewerage and water access are shown as daily charges. The reality is that even if you use no water at all, your annual water bill will still be $1029.32 per year.

Note: These charges are specific to residential properties. Different rates apply to strata buildings and business premises. For more detailed information, refer to your water rates notice or contact us to audit your water bill.

At Whywait Plumbing, we understand the burden rising water costs can place on your household or business budget. We offer various services designed to help you reduce your water consumption and manage your costs effectively.

Here’s how we can assist:

1. Leak Detection and Repair: Leaks are a common source of unnecessary water use, and even a small, undetected leak can significantly increase your water bill. Our experienced team can quickly identify and repair leaks, preventing costly water wastage.
2. Water Efficiency Audits: Whywait Plumbing can conduct a complete water audit of your home or business to identify areas where you can save water. We look for outdated plumbing fixtures, inefficient appliances, and other opportunities to reduce water usage and lower your bills.
3. Installation of Water-Saving Fixtures: We install a range of water-efficient products, including low-flow taps, showerheads, and dual-flush toilets. These products are designed to help reduce the water used in daily activities without compromising performance, and we can advise you on the best options for your specific needs.
4. Sewer and Drain Maintenance: Regular maintenance of your sewer and drainage systems can prevent blockages and backups, ensuring that your sewerage access charges remain low by avoiding costly emergency repairs or overuse charges from system damage.

With water usage and access charges increasing, managing water consumption is more important than ever. By adopting a few key strategies, you can take control and minimise the impact of rising costs:

• Fix Leaks Quickly: Leaks are a significant contributor to high water bills. A dripping tap or leaking toilet can waste thousands of litres of water yearly. Whywait Plumbing can help you identify and repair leaks before they drive up your bill.
• Upgrade to Water-Efficient Fixtures: Replacing older fixtures with water-efficient ones is one of the most effective ways to reduce water usage. Whywait Plumbing offers a range of water-saving products that can significantly lower your water bill.
• Monitor Your Water Meter: Regularly checking your water meter can help you keep track of your water usage and spot any unusual spikes that could indicate leaks or excessive usage.

Water usage charges are only part of the equation needed to understand your total water bill. The fixed water access and sewerage access charges contribute significantly to the overall cost, and these charges are unavoidable as they cover the maintenance of critical infrastructure that delivers clean water and removes wastewater.

Even if your water usage is low, the fixed access charges remain the same. This is why reducing water consumption is essential and ensuring that your plumbing systems are well-maintained to avoid leaks and other issues.

At Whywait Plumbing, we’re committed to helping our customers save and reduce water costs. With over 45 years of experience serving the Gold Coast, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you navigate the complexities of water pricing and offer practical solutions to manage your water usage more effectively.

Whether detecting and repairing leaks, installing water-efficient fixtures, or providing expert advice on managing your water usage, Whywait Plumbing is here to help you reduce your water bills while maintaining the quality and efficiency of your plumbing systems.

The 2024-25 water pricing updates on the Gold Coast reflect the growing need to invest in infrastructure and manage water resources sustainably. Residents and businesses can better manage water costs by understanding usage-based and fixed access charges.

For non-residential or commercial water users, we always recommend 24-hour water monitoring. This valuable service can help you gain insights into your water usage, detect leaks in real-time, and ultimately save you money on water bills and repairs. Installing Bayzone WaterTracker data loggers is a proactive tool that enables you to address water leakage and abnormal water consumption in real time rather than waiting for your water bill to arrive every three months. By constantly monitoring and notifying you, Bayzone WaterTracker helps you conserve water, reduce waste, and save money on water bills.

Watch the video below to discover how Bayzone WaterTracker provides a powerful and effective water monitoring and management solution. 

With the right strategies in place, such as fixing leaks, upgrading fixtures, and partnering with Whywait Plumbing for expert advice and services, you can mitigate the impact of rising water costs and ensure your plumbing systems operate efficiently throughout the year. Contact us today to start saving on your water bills!