IPART has completed its review of maximum prices that WaterNSW can charge for its regional and rural bulk water services. The prices we set in this review will apply from 1 July 2026 until 30 June 2030, or until the determination is replaced.
We have published our Determination and Final Report
Under this new determination WaterNSW’s bulk water charges would increase by up to 10% per year plus inflation over the next four years, from 1 July 2026.
These prices reflect our assessment of efficient costs, appropriate cost allocations between customers and the NSW Government, and the need to manage bill impacts on customers as prices transition towards more cost‑reflective levels.
The increase is driven in large part by higher financing costs, including a higher cost of debt and Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) compared to the previous determination, as well as higher underlying expenditure requirements. We have allowed only those costs we consider efficient.
We have maintained valley-based pricing. For customers subject to Murray-Darling Basin Authority and Border Rivers Commission charges, price increase caps have been applied inclusive of these charges.
We recognise that access to safe, reliable and affordable water at a fair price is critical to our communities, environment and economy.
IPART has considered the affordability of WaterNSW’s prices and the potential impacts of price increases on customers, particularly in the current environment of economic uncertainty and elevated input costs across the regional and rural economy. We recognise that there is limited capacity for many customers to absorb ongoing real increases in water charges.
We have recommended a Government led review into the long-term future of regional and rural water services.
We thank all stakeholders for their input
We thank all stakeholders for providing feedback over the course of this review. We have considered all feedback received in making our final decisions.