Brancho Elhonco

Review of Central Highlands Water

Central Highlands Water has been allowed by the Vi...

Central Highlands Water has been allowed by the Vic Govt. Essential Services Commission to charge a flat rate for wastewater (sewer), whereas Melbourne water companies base their wastewater charges on the amount of water used at the property.

This means that in Ballarat, no matter how little water you use, a substantial part of your bill will always be the same, whether you live in a 3 bathroom house or a one bathroom house. The same applies for small businesses.

The wastewater charge in Ballarat and other areas serviced by CHW is at least $280.00 more (by my rough calculations) per year, than what we paid in Melbourne with City West Water.

The rates are approved by the Essential Services Commission, but provided the company provides a good argument for the higher rates, the commission essentially rubber stamps the cost increases.

This is a good example of what what happens when you privatise an essential service.