Water rates fair and equitable

Residents are now receiving water rates notices from Gosford Council under the new "user-pays" system.

According to Gosford Council, "the average household, which currently uses about 220 kilolitres per year, will pay about $5 a month more for water".

The system introduces two new features: an availability charge of $70 per year for a standard residential connection and a charge of 65 cents per kilolitre of water used.

Previously the standard allowance was $153 and a water allowance of 200 kilolitres with excess charged at 65 cents per kilolitre.

Rebates to pensioners may also be available.

The availability charges are included in the rate notice.

The new charges pass the cost on to those who use more water, while those who only have a block of land or use less than the average user will now pay less.

A user-pays principle to water consumption is commonly seen as a fair and equitable system in many areas including the Hunter and Sydney areas.

Residents should be satisfied with water and sewerage charges of $95.25 per quarter (excluding drainage charges) and water at 65 cents per kilolitre.

Most Sydney Water customers pay $96.25 per quarter and water at 92.5 cents per kilolitre.

If residents are concerned about the cost of water, council can be contacted on 4325 8222 or visit the website at www.gosford.nsw.gov.au

Using water-saving techniques can reduce consumption, lower the bill and reduce long-term capital expenditure by council on unnecessary water projects.

Tips include shorter showers, dishwashing full loads or using the economy mode and washing clothes using the full-load method.

A tip for those without a dual-flush toilet is to insert a house brick where it will not block the system.

Stephen McNamara, Umina