Water bills in Sydney 2026, including how to read your bill, concessions, and saving tips to reduce your water usage and lower
Cost of Living Desk is a contributing writer covering cost-of-living and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
Sydney Water sends water bills to households every three months. The bill includes information about your water usage, the charges for your water usage, and any concessions you are eligible for. The following is a breakdown of the charges on a typical water bill:
Water usage charge. The water usage charge is based on the amount of water you use. The charge is $2.50 per kilolitre (1,000 litres) as of 2026. The average Sydney household uses approximately 200 kilolitres of water per year, which is approximately 50 kilolitres per quarter.
Water service charge. The water service charge is a fixed charge that covers the cost of maintaining the water infrastructure. The charge is $45 per quarter as of 2026.
Sewerage service charge. The sewerage service charge is a fixed charge that covers the cost of maintaining the sewerage infrastructure. The charge is $55 per quarter as of 2026.
Total bill. The total bill is the sum of the water usage charge, the water service charge, and the sewerage service charge. The average Sydney household pays approximately $250 to $350 per quarter for water and sewerage.
The NSW Government provides concessions to help low-income households with the cost of water bills. The following concessions are available:
Water Concession. The Water Concession provides a rebate of up to $200 per year for eligible households. The concession is available to households that receive a Pensioner Concession Card, a Health Care Card, or a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. The concession is applied directly to your water bill.
Low Income Household Rebate. The Low Income Household Rebate provides a rebate of up to $300 per year for eligible households. The rebate is available to households that receive a concession card and are experiencing financial hardship. The rebate is applied directly to your water bill.
To apply for concessions, you need to contact Sydney Water on 13 20 92 or visit a Service NSW centre. You will need to provide your concession card and proof of identity.
The following tips can help you reduce your water usage and lower your water bill:
Fix leaks. A leaking tap can waste up to 20,000 litres of water per year. Fix leaking taps and pipes as soon as possible.
Install water-efficient appliances. Install water-efficient appliances, such as low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and water-efficient washing machines. Water-efficient appliances can reduce your water usage by up to 30 percent.
Take shorter showers. Taking a five-minute shower instead of a ten-minute shower can save up to 50 litres of water per shower.
Turn off the tap. Turn off the tap when you are brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes. Leaving the tap running can waste up to 10 litres of water per minute.
Use a bucket. Use a bucket to wash your car instead of a hose. Washing your car with a bucket can save up to 150 litres of water.
Collect rainwater. Install a rainwater tank to collect rainwater for gardening and other non-potable uses. Rainwater tanks can reduce your water usage by up to 40 percent.
Water your garden efficiently. Water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Use a watering can or a drip irrigation system instead of a sprinkler.
Use a pool cover. If you have a swimming pool, use a pool cover to reduce evaporation. A pool cover can reduce water evaporation by up to 90 percent.
Check for leaks. Check your water meter for leaks. Turn off all water in your home and check the water meter. If the meter is still moving, you have a leak.
Sydney Water may impose water restrictions during periods of drought or low rainfall. Water restrictions limit the times when you can water your garden, wash your car, or fill your pool. The following are the standard water restrictions in Sydney:
Level 1 restrictions. Level 1 restrictions prohibit watering lawns and gardens with a sprinkler or a hose. You can water your garden with a bucket or a watering can at any time.
Level 2 restrictions. Level 2 restrictions prohibit watering lawns and gardens with a sprinkler, a hose, or a bucket. You can only water your garden with a watering can before 10am or after 4pm.
Level 3 restrictions. Level 3 restrictions prohibit all outdoor watering. You cannot water your garden, wash your car, or fill your pool.
Water restrictions are announced by Sydney Water and are published on the Sydney Water website.
Sydney Water provides high-quality drinking water that meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The water is sourced from dams, rivers, and groundwater and is treated at water filtration plants before it is distributed to households. The water is tested regularly to ensure that it meets the highest standards.
If you have concerns about the quality of your water, you can request a water test from Sydney Water. The test is free and will identify any contaminants in your water.
More information about water bills in Sydney is available at Sydney Water.
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