Not only is water a resource we often take for granted, it’s a household utility bill we begrudgingly have to pay every few months, while costs only ever seem to go in one direction. This leads to questioning the amount on your water bills, as well as being curious about what your neighbour pays.
That’s why we have compiled a guide on average water bills across the country. We show average water bills in each state, and by age group, household size and income, plus list a few things you should keep an eye out for.
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Average Water Bill in Australia
A Canstar Blue survey in January 2023 found the average quarterly water bill in Australia to be $208. Households in Victoria reported the lowest average water bills at $191, while Queenslanders reported the highest average at $240. These findings are based on survey respondents’ last water bill that they received.
Average water bills across the states
The following table shows average quarterly water bills across Australia, based on a Canstar Blue survey of more than 600 households. The costs reported include households of all sizes.
| State | Average Quarterly Water Bill |
| Victoria | $191 |
| New South Wales | $200 |
| Western Australia | $204 |
| South Australia | $205 |
| Queensland | $240 |
Source: Canstar Blue research, January 2023.
As outlined above, households in QLD have the highest water bills, followed by SA and WA. Households in VIC report the lowest quarterly bills, with NSW not far behind. Keep reading for a detailed analysis of average water bills across each state and territory.
Compare Cheap Electricity Plans
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Average Water Bills by Household Size
The table below displays average water bills in Australia per quarter by household size.
| Household Size | Average Quarterly Water Bill |
| 1 | $158 |
| 2 | $209 |
| 3 | $236 |
| 4 | $232 |
| 5+ | $276 |
Source: Canstar Blue research, January 2023.
You’ll notice that larger households pay more for water, with a difference of more than $100 between the smallest and largest properties. It’s pretty simple, the more people in your home, the bigger your water bills are likely to be.
Average Water Bills by Age Group
In our analysis, we uncover the average water bills across each age group, which might be startling for the younger Australians out there. On a national level, here are the average quarterly water bills by age group.
| Age Group | Average Quarterly Water Bill |
| 18 to 29 years | $207 |
| 30 to 39 years | $219 |
| 40 to 49 years | $227 |
| 50 to 59 years | $192 |
| 60 to 69 years | $191 |
| 70 years and over | $156 |
Source Canstar Blue research, January 2023.
These figures highlight that water bills tend to drop for the most part as you get older. This could be explained by any water concessions or rebates that senior Australians receive, or it could be down to the water usage habits of each age group. For instance, those in a younger age bracket may live in a share house with multiple occupants, or have a large family with higher consumption needs than those who are older.
Average Water Bills by Household Income
The following table shows average water bills per quarter by household income.
| Household Income | Average Quarterly Water Bill |
| Less than $30,000 | $168 |
| $30,000 to $49,999 | $142 |
| $50,000 to $79,999 | $200 |
| $80,000 to $119,999 | $222 |
| More than $120,000 | $233 |
Source Canstar Blue research, January 2023.
In our survey findings, it appears that lower income households do pay less for water than higher income households, although there could be multiple factors at play here. For example, a higher income household would likely be living in a larger home, and in turn, using more water. Average water bills aren’t that much cheaper for low income households, suggesting that water is just one of those grudge expenses we all have to budget for, regardless of how much money we make.
Compare Cheap Gas Deals
Gas Plans Compared in VIC
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for VIC. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Gas Plans Compared in NSW
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for NSW. These estimated annual costs are based on the Jemena Gas Network in Sydney and yearly gas usage of 18,542MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Gas Plans Compared in WA
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for WA. These estimated annual costs are based on the ATCO Network in Perth and yearly gas usage of 7,672 (units), but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Gas Plans Compared in SA
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for SA. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Adelaide and yearly gas usage of 11,875MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Gas Plans Compared in QLD
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for QLD. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Brisbane and yearly gas usage of 6,842MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
How often are Aussies billed for their water usage?
In our survey, just under three-quarters (72%) of households said they receive quarterly water bills. Monthly billing recorded the next highest frequency at 15% across Australia. Keep in mind that most bill-payers should expect an invoice every quarter, but they can discuss their billing options with their water provider directly.
What impacts water bill costs?
No matter what type of household you’re in, somebody is footing the water bill, and whether you’re a tenant, landlord or owner-occupier, no two bills are ever the same. While comparing your water bill to the average may give you a little peace of mind, there are a few factors that can add pressure to your water costs. These include:
- Seasonal water usage: Differences between warmer and cooler months can result in a huge impact on water usage habits. In summer, you may water your garden more, while in winter you may take longer showers.
- Water usage habits: Has there been a change in water consumption? Perhaps you’ve added new lawn to your backyard which needs the sprinklers on longer, or you’ve added another family member to your home (fur babies included).
- Water leaks: A leaky pipe or toilet can easily blow out your water bill, and often you may not even know about it. Hire a licenced plumber to take a look or conduct your own meter read to identify if water is leaking somewhere.
- Large appliances: Most appliances that use water will come with a water efficiency label, indicating how much water they need to operate. Dishwashers and washing machines are the main culprits, so be sure to check the efficiency of your appliances’ cycle settings.
- Where you live: Much like electricity and gas, you’re not only charged for using water, but also for having water supplied to your address. If you live in a regional area or a region with a desalination plant, you could be paying more than somebody else a few postcodes away.
- Water bill readings: Most households will have their water meters read by their local water company – usually every three months. You can, however, conduct your own meter reading and send it through to your supplier, that way there’s no questioning the amount due.
How can I reduce my water bill costs?
Chances are you’re not overly happy with the price you’re paying for water. There is a silver lining though – by being mindful of a few things, you can easily start to see your overall water costs trickle downhill. You should start by identifying where the greatest water consumption is coming from and take some practical measures to reduce it. This could mean taking shorter showers, only using the dishwasher or washing machine when you really need to, or simply turning the tap off when you brush your teeth! From here, you’ll be able to better recognise ways to save and hopefully, be better than average.
Additional reading:
Image credits: Roman R/Shutterstock.com, MichaelHahn/Shutterstock.com
Original Author: Jared Mullane
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