South Gippsland tops the state with a water rate hike of 6.1%

HANG on to your hats if you're a customer of South Gippsland Water you are about to be slugged an extra $80 a year on your water rates bill.

South Gippsland Water rates will go up by 6.1% in 2025/26 the highest increase of any water business in Victoria.

The approved tariff schedule released by the Essential Services Commission this week outlines the maximum price each water business can charge for specific services.

The typical average annual rate bill for a South Gippsland Water user which includes renters, will increase from $1,324 in 2024/25, to $1,405 in 2025/26.

South Gippsland Water sits well above the state average.

By comparison a typical water bill for Gippsland Water will increase by 1.9% from $1,465 to $1,492, and Westernport Water up 2.1% from $1,171 to $1,183.

Inflation is blamed as the main driver for the jump in water rates at 2.4%.

Chairperson of the Essential Services Commission Gerard Brody encouraged Victorians to reach out to their local water supplier if they’re having trouble paying their bills.

“Water businesses must help you manage your bills and provide a range of options such as flexible payment plans and assistance with concessions or grant applications.”

Water bills can vary between regions depending on water usage and borrowing costs.

Interest payable on late water bills has been reduced in line with lower interest rates.

Water businesses cannot apply an interest rate of more than 6.2% on amounts owing from 2024–25, and from July 2025 the maximum interest rate on overdue amounts will be 5.7%.

Holders of eligible concession cards, or those are on a payment plan, or who are receiving assistance under a customer support policy may be exempt from interest payments.

The new tariffs take effect from July 1.

If you’re having trouble paying a water bill due to temporary financial difficulties you may be eligible for a Utility Relief Grant.

The South Gippsland Water Customer Care team can help with an application for a Utility Relief Grant to get up to $650 off your bills.

South Gippsland Water also has flexible payment plans and grants available for those experiencing financial difficulty.

South Gippsland Water provides water and sewerage services to around 165,000 people in Gippsland covering an area that stretches from Drouin in the West, Loch Sport in the East, Mirboo North in the South and Rawson and Briagolong in the North.

For more information go to gippswater.com.au/customercare or call 1800 050 500.

To estimate your annual water bill using the Essential Services Commission’s water bill calculator ago to esc.vic.gov.au/water/information-for-water-consumers