The NSW pricing regulator’s final determination, released today (5 June), is broadly consistent with its draft decision which caps typical residential bill increases to around 4.7 per cent plus inflation each year for the next five years.

For a typical residential customer with water and wastewater services and using 250kL of water a year, which is a household with three to four people, their bill will increase by around $145 (including inflation) in 2026-27, and then 4.7 per cent plus inflation each year until 2030-31. The bill impact will vary depending on household type and water usage.

IPART has left the charges for business customers uncapped, resulting in bills increasing on average between 3.1 per cent and 11.8 per cent plus inflation each year for the next five years.

A typical small business using 250kL per year would see their annual bill increase by around $421 (including inflation) in 2026-27, and then average increases of 8.4 per cent, plus inflation, each year until 2030-31.

In its submission to IPART following its draft report, Essential Water highlighted the affordability pressures facing customers and advocated for further government assistance to alleviate the cost-of-living burden.

Essential Water’s Head of Water Ross Berry said: “We have advocated for our customers to keep bills down but, at the same time, we need to keep investing in the critical infrastructure necessary to maintain safe, reliable and sustainable water and wastewater services for Broken Hill, Menindee, Silverton and Sunset Strip.”

Essential Water’s plans, which were largely approved by IPART, include major infrastructure investment projects to renew end-of-life infrastructure, such as large-scale replacement of wastewater and treated water pipes. The largest investment will be replacing the near-100-year-old Wills St wastewater treatment plant which can no longer be upgraded to meet modern standards.

“These projects need to be done and are crucial to ensuring the quality water and wastewater services people in the far west deserve,” Ross said.

“Better than anyone else, our customers understand the true value of access to water. This is an important investment in securing the future of Broken Hill and the region.”

Essential Water welcomed IPART’s recommendation that the NSW Government cover a $15.3 million revenue shortfall over the five-year period – caused by capping residential bills – as well as the projected $154.2 million for bulk water costs.

Ross encouraged customers experiencing financial hardship to contact Essential Water.

“Some customers may find the new charges challenging and that’s why we have programs in place to support people experiencing financial hardship,” he said.

To learn more about our financial assistance options, please visit our Financial Hardship Support page on our website or call our Customer Specialist Team 1800 441 888.