Central Highlands Water Review

The nicest experience at a local business . The lady at the front reception was extremely pleasant, smiling, welcoming etc. There should be more businesses with a positive impact.

Decent customer support on the phone, very polite and well spoken. But they won't send me a bill and can't tell me when.

If I could give 10 stars I would! Sandy is amazing thank you so much for helping me through changing my details.

I was dealing with a customer representative called Kate and not only was she friendly but also handled my enquiries in a polite and efficient manner. Well done Kate!!

Sick of been left without water. Continuous issues and no one seems to be doing anything about it.

Not for the first time, their 'systems' lost my postal address. To make matters worse, my neighbor then received at least one account with my name and his street number. In 2019 you would think that mailing accounts to the correct address would not be so difficult.

The ESC-sanctioned fixed-rate wastewater charges set by CHW are a rort. Consumers have no choice but to pay the fixed sewerage charge regardless of water consumption. There is no real opportunity to reduce my quarterly water bills because of this, despite reducing metered consumption to $100 or under. Disgraceful.

Ridiculously expensive compared to Melbourne, which is already very expensive!

Never recieved notice of planned works. Was half way through my house work when water stops. Can't even give kids, who are home on school holidays a drink of water!

The most horrible people I have ever dealt with. Nasty, uneducated to say the least.

Absolutely disgraceful service. Been waiting nearly 12 months for a water bill... Better not send me out a $1000 bill and expect it paid within a month...

I have the very highest praise for the Central Highlands WaterBoard for going above and beyond on Sunday night, last night working until midnight when THEY DID NOT HAVE TO.. They did this to ensure two units had water overnight and until we could get a plumber. It is New Years Eve and you can imagine the challenge for us to find a plumber!.
Thankyou Thankyou and the guys had been working since 5am. I love the city if Ballarat and we are very grateful of this assistance.

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.

I have spoken with CHW 3 times in the last 6 months. On each occasion the telephone staff have been wonderful to deal with. They have been very friendly, helpful, proactive and easy to understand. If only every utility was as easy to deal with. Keep up the good work.

This is possibly the most expensive water provider in Victoria. Water rates are up to 40% higher than those in the greater Melbourne metropolitan region. I have had numerous (four) billing errors for a problem which really should have been quickly sorted out by CHW. Disappointed. Another example of how regional Victorians experience disadvantage.

Had a burst water pipe on Easter Sunday, one call, all fixed within the hour. Very pleasant and efficient man turned up, great customer service

Wonderful experience.
Nice lady on the phone to take my inquiry of setting up a new water line to our house.
Smooth/fast /easy
Thank you

I was in credit of 42.44 CR and they're told me i must write a letter to confirm a refund i did it with email and i did also write a letter and nothing i will give them till Friday to refund me then i contact ombudsman and also write a letter to the pm that things need to be look as this is bit childish.