Barwon Water keeps bills affordable for customers

Barwon Water is maintaining competitive prices for its customers, with bills to increase by less than inflation in 2025-2026.

A modest price rise of 1.1 per cent – which is well under the annual Consumer Price Index inflation rate of 2.4 per cent – will be introduced for residential water bills on 1 July.

This will add about $1.04 per month for the average owner-occupiers and $1.23 per month for renters.

Managing Director Shaun Cumming said the prices reflected Barwon Water’s commitment to reduce its core water and sewerage tariffs by 0.9 per cent, in real terms, each year from 2023-2028.

“Barwon Water is focused on being innovative and efficient so we can provide value and reliability for our customers,” Mr Cumming said.

“We are continuing to reduce customer bills in real terms, with prices either reduced or increases kept under the rate of inflation for the past eight years.

“Through this we are shielding our customers from the full impact of inflation and providing some relief from wider cost of living pressures.”

The price change also applies to business customers, whose bills will increase below CPI at an average of $1.66 per month.

The strong commitment to keeping prices as low as possible comes as Barwon Water increases its direct support for customers.

Across the five years to 2028, investment in these support initiatives is rising from $3.1 million to $4.89 million.

This includes more direct financial assistance; an uplift and increased resources in our customer contact centre; and staff training to better support customers.

There is also a further $2.5 million being directed to plumbing programs, grants, rebates and customer education, to help customers save money.

Mr Cumming said support was available for anyone having difficulty paying their bill.

“Our customer support program is in place to ease the burden of bill stress for anyone experiencing financial difficulty,” Mr Cumming said.

“We offer a range of payment and support options and can tailor an option to suit an individual’s needs.”

Barwon Water operates and maintains about $3.79 billion worth of assets, which help deliver high-quality services to about 380,000 people all-year round, and more than 600,000 during peak periods.

Full details of the Barwon Water price changes for 2025-26 will be available from 1 July at https://www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/billing-and-accounts/fees-and-charges

Please note: Barwon Water’s fees and charges are regulated by the Essential Services Commission, Victoria’s independent economic regulator of essential utility services