Tasmanian households will soon be paying around 13 cents more a day for water, with TasWater set to hike prices.
From July, prices will go up by 3.5% in a rise the state-owned utility has described as “modest”.
TasWater’s General Manager of Customer and Community Matt Balfe said this could be the last of the smaller increases until at least July 2026.
“This will be the fourth consecutive year where price increases have been kept at 3.5%, following two years where prices were frozen at 0%,” he said.
“With operational costs rising and infrastructure continuing to age, future price increases are likely to be higher.”
Balfe said managing Tasmania’s water infrastructure presents unique challenges, with TasWater responsible for 38% of the country’s water and sewerage treatment plants despite serving only 2% of the population.
The utility is currently preparing its next regulatory submission, due to be lodged with the economic regulator by the end of the financial year.
Balfe said a community panel of 45 Tasmanians delivered seven key recommendations, including improving water security, cutting down on leakage and supporting vulnerable customers.
“These community priorities will be at the heart of our next plan,” he said.
“We also know cost-of-living pressures are being felt across the state and we’re doing everything we can to keep our prices down and to support our customers.”
