Proposed 2026/27 water charges released for community feedback
Apr 29, 2026
Riverina Water has placed its proposed 2026/27 fees and charges on public exhibition, inviting community feedback on a proposed 8% increase to water access, usage and sundry charges.
Riverina Water Chief Executive Officer Andrew Crakanthorp said the proposed increase aims to balance affordability with ensuring the long-term reliability of the region's water supply.
"Providing safe, reliable water requires ongoing investment in infrastructure, maintenance and planning," Mr Crakanthorp said.
“This proposal ensures we can continue to meet that responsibility for the 77,000 people who depend on us, now and into the future.
“Our region is growing, and we need the right infrastructure in place at the right time to support that growth – whether that’s additional treatment capacity, increased storage, or continuing to maintain and expand our supply network.”
The local water utility has consistently delivered some of the most affordable drinking water in the state, with the last available comparison data ranking Riverina Water as the sixth cheapest in NSW.
The proposed increase would see a typical residential bill rise by less than $1 a week, bringing the annual total to around $598 – well below the 2024/25 NSW median of $851.70.
Chairperson of Riverina Water, Councillor Gail Driscoll said the organisation takes into consideration the financial pressures facing households and businesses.
"Our mission is to provide safe and reliable drinking water at the lowest sustainable cost, and that remains our benchmark when considering any changes to fees and charges,” Mrs Driscoll said.
"The Board very much appreciates the cost-of-living pressures affecting our community, and
we are not immune to those same challenges as an organisation.
"Rising costs across materials, energy and operations have all contributed to this proposal, along with different annual rainfall scenarios as seasonal conditions are the biggest driver of water usage.”
The proposed fees and charges form part of Riverina Water's draft 2025/26-2028/29 Delivery Program and 2026/27 Operational Plan, along with the 2026/27-2035/36 Long Term Financial Plan. The suite of strategic documents is now on public exhibition, with community members encouraged to provide feedback.
Forming part of next year’s budget is almost $21M in capital works to maintain and grow the
water supply network, including:
- $11M on Riverina Water’s solar farm and energy storage project
- $3.3M in water main replacement and installation
- $1.7M for treatment plant projects
- $1M for reservoir projects
To view the draft documents and make a submission, visit rwcc.nsw.gov.au/haveyoursay.
Submissions close on 31 May 2026.
Fees and charges NSW comparison
Residential water charges
| Charge Type | Current (2025/26) | Proposed (2026/27) | 2024/25 NSW median |
| Annual access charges | $198 | $212 | $258.1 |
| - Quarterly breakdown | $49.50 | $53 | $64.53 |
| Step 1 usage tariff per kl | $1.77 | $1.91 | $2.80 |
| Step 2 usage tariff per kl | $2.65 | $2.86 | $4.30 |
| Annual residential bill (200kl) | $552 | $598 | $851.70 |