Dry conditions and high outdoor usage spark large water bills

Published: 27 May 2020

Council wish to clear up any confusion surrounding the recent water bill notices.

There was no increase in water charges in the last billing period.

Water was charged at $1.83/KL for the first 150KL and $2.72/KL when you went over 150KL.

The billing period was September 2019 to March 2020, which included the driest time of year for our region.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology Mackay Alert Rainfall Station, we had the lowest rainfall for the last 20 years for the period from September 1, 2019, to December 25, 2019.

From September 1 to December 25, 2019, only 27mm of rain fell in our region.

In August we had 4mm of rain, 0mm in September, 9mm in October, 0mm in November and 14mm of rain fell up until December 25.

From September 1, 2019 to April 2020, the Nebo Road Water Treatment Plant produced 8,738ML of water, compared to 7,110ML in the same period the year before.

This shows that water usage, especially outdoor usage, was very high for the September to December period. Council did a number of reminders to residents to watch the flow of their outdoor water use during this period. Some streets in Marian used four times more than the daily average.

Residents can keep a close eye on their water usage via council’s free myh2o.qld.gov.au website.

You can see how much water you’re using each day and how much it’s costing you.  This will help you avoid large water bills.

Myh2o also alerts residents to water leaks at your property to help stop wastage.

Due to the confusion around the billing period, council will be amending the layout of their water bill notices to make it easier for residents to read and understand their billing period.

If you have any further enquires please contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

Water usage at Nebo Road Water Treatment Plant

Water usage at Marian Water Treatment Plant