Gosford City Council’s prices for water, sewerage and stormwater services will change from 1 July 2012 in-line with the NSW Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal’s determination for 2010-13.

As a result, the annual water, sewerage and stormwater bill for a typical household in Gosford – using 159 kilolitres (kL) of water – will increase by $54.74 or 5.5 per cent in 2012/13.

Council’s Director Water & Sewer Rod Williams said the new prices will help Council continue to make multi-million dollar system improvements for the 70,000 properties currently using its water supply and sewer networks.

“These charges cover the cost of treating over 11 billion litres of water every year and delivering it to properties through our 1,000 kilometre network of water mains.

“The prices also ensure that more than 11 billion litres of wastewater each year is safely taken away from properties via our 1,500 kilometre sewerage network and treated to environmental standards.

“We’re focused on ensuring the water supply system is regularly inspected and renewed to keep water quality complaints low and further reduce service interruptions caused by mains breaks.

“We also need to keep monitoring and upgrading our sewer pipelines, pump stations and treatment plants to minimise sewage overflows and odours.”

Mr Williams noted that reports from the National Water Commission show the bill for a typical Gosford household has tended to remain below the national average in recent years.

“We understand any price increase can be a concern for residents and we will always strive to deliver services that provide value for money,” Mr Williams said.

“Residents can play a role in keeping their bill down by maintaining their commitment to water conservation, which has enabled the Gosford community to have adequate supplies through the recent drought and been a highlight of the Commission’s reports for some years now.”

Summary of water, sewer and stormwater drainage charges for 2012/13:

* kL = 1,000 litres

** Climate Change Fund Contribution of $15.58 will be added to the service charge if Council is required to contribute to the Fund in 2012/13

- - ENDS - -

 Media contact:            Nathan Slade on (02) 4304 7075 or nathan.slade@gosford.nsw.gov.au