Sydney Water Bills Set to Surge by $475 Over Five Years

Sydney households are facing steep water price rises, with annual bills expected to climb by $475 over the next five years following a review of benchmark costs.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has confirmed new maximum charges for Sydney Water and WaterNSW, effective next month. Under the ruling, the typical household bill will rise by 11.8 per cent a year including inflation from $1,220 now to $1,388 in 2025/26 and $1,695 by 2029/30. That means an extra $168 next year and $475 by the end of the decade.

The tribunal scaled back a larger increase proposed by Sydney Water, which would have pushed bills to $1,913 plus inflation by 2029. Chair Carmel Donnelly said the decision will save households $84 next year and $218 annually by 2029 compared with the utility’s plan.

Acknowledging the strain of cost-of-living pressures, Donnelly urged the government to expand water bill rebates to all Health Care Card and Low-Income Health Care Card holders.