Discussion Paper - WaterNSW Rural Valleys pricing review 2025-26 - October 2025

This discussion paper sets out our approach to the review of the maximum prices for WaterNSW’s rural bulk water services from 1 July 2026. 

The review will build on the work we undertook in our 2025 price review, which resulted in a 1-year determination. During that review, we identified the need to more closely examine whether: 

• WaterNSW’s base costs are efficient
• the impactor pays principle and resulting cost shares remain appropriate
• WaterNSW’s pricing structures for its rural water business provide the appropriate signals and outcomes for its bulk water customers.

The discussion paper seeks feedback from stakeholders from these and other considerations, focusing on WaterNSW’s rural valleys operations only, with separate determinations covering its Greater Sydney, Murray to Broken Hill pipeline, and Water Administration Ministerial Corporation (WAMC) services.

We invite stakeholders to have their say by making a submission to this Discussion Paper. We will consider all the information and feedback provided in our 2024-25 pricing review, as well as the relevant considerations under legislation, and will continue to have regard to the issues raised in all submissions and consultation from our 2025 review in making our decisions.