How your water bill is set
Prices for Essential Water’s services are regulated by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
IPART reviews and approves the prices we can charge for water and wastewater services in Broken Hill, Menindee, Sunset Strip, and Silverton.
What goes into your bill
Your water and wastewater bill is made up of several components, each reflecting the cost of delivering safe, reliable services to your home or business.
Fixed charges
These cover the cost of maintaining infrastructure including pipes, pumps, and treatment facilities and ensuring water and wastewater services are available when you need them. Fixed charges apply to both water and wastewater services.
Usage charges
These are based on the amount of water you use, measured via your water meter. Usage charges apply only to water services. Wastewater services are not typically metered, so they are charged as a fixed amount.
Government subsidies
To help keep prices affordable in regional areas like Broken Hill, IPART considers the level of government subsidy required. These subsidies are factored into the pricing structure during each five-year review.
IPART’s role in pricing reviews
IPART conducts formal pricing reviews every five years. These reviews assess:
- Essential Water’s proposed service costs
- Bulk water costs (including WaterNSW’s Murray River to Broken Hill pipeline)
- The appropriate level of government subsidy
- Community feedback and affordability concerns.
Learn more about the IPART Pricing Submission
Water and wastewater prices
Water and wastewater prices for customers in Broken Hill, Menindee, Sunset Strip and Silverton.
Essential Water is a regulated essential service provider. Our prices for water and sewerage services are reviewed and set periodically by Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
Schedule of Water and Sewerage Charges - 2025-2026
Schedule of Water and Sewerage Charges - 2024-2025
Schedule of Water and Sewerage Charges - 2023-2024
Schedule of Water and Sewerage Charges - 2022-2023