How to read your bill

Your GWMWater bill shows the cost of supplying water and wastewater services (if applicable) to your property, along with your water use for the billing period. Understanding your bill can help you manage your usage and avoid unexpected costs.

Your bill is made up of two main types of charges:

1. Service charges (fixed charges)

These are the sewer service and water service charges shown on your bill.

• What they are: Fixed charges that cover the cost of maintaining water and sewer infrastructure, including pipes, treatment plants and ongoing service delivery.

• How they’re calculated: Charged as a daily rate based on your service connection size.

• When they’re charged: Service charges are billed in advance for the upcoming quarter (for example, 1 April to 30 June).

• Where to find them: Listed under Current Charges as:

  • Sewer Service

  • Water Service

2. Water usage (variable charge)

This is the cost of the water you have used during the previous billing period.

• What it is: A charge based on how much water you use, measured in kilolitres (kL) which is 1000 litres.

• How it’s calculated: Your digital water meter is read at the end of each quarter. The difference between the previous and current meter readings determines your usage.

• When it’s charged: Water usage is charged in arrears, meaning it reflects your consumption from the previous quarter (not the upcoming one).

• Where to find it: Listed as Water Usage under Current Charges, along with:

  • Previous meter reading

  • Current meter reading

  • Total consumption

  • Cost per kilolitre

Understanding your total amount due

Your Total Amount Due includes:

• Any balance carried forward from your last bill

• Payments you’ve made since your last bill

• Current service charges (in advance)

• Water usage charges (from the previous quarter)

All of these are clearly summarised in the Balance and Current Charges sections of your bill.

Tenant and owners

Refer to information relating to responsibilities here.

Why your bill includes both past and future charges

Your bill combines:

• Service charges (in advance) – to ensure your services continue without interruption

• Water usage (in arrears) – so you are billed accurately based on actual meter readings

This approach provides a balance between predictable fixed costs and usage-based charges.

Tips to manage your bill

• Monitor your usage: Check the usage graph on your bill to track trends over time or sign up for our Customer Portal

• Act early: Higher-than-usual usage may indicate leaks or increased consumption

• Plan ahead: Fixed service charges will appear every quarter, even if water usage is low

• Set up a payment arrangement: Set up regular payments using Flexipay

If you need help understanding your bill or believe something doesn’t look right, contact us and our team will be happy to assist.