Water Consumption Rising in Livingstone Shire
Livingstone Shire Council is currently facing a significant challenge in the form of higher-than-normal water consumption by residents across the Shire.
Recent data shows that residents are using over 50 percent more water on average or 525,000 kilolitres more, compared to the same quarter last year.
This has resulted in higher than usual water bills for some residents.
Mayor Andy Ireland expressed concern at this latest consumption data due to the impact it will have on ratepayers’ wallets as well as the environment.
“Livingstone residents have traditionally been high consumers of water, ranking in the top 10 of water users in Australia according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s National Performance Report for Water Utilities,” Mayor Ireland said.
“Water meter readings from December reveal that residents have used an average of over 100 kilolitres per household, compared to an average of over 70 kilolitres in the same quarter last year.”
“It is imperative that we work together as a community to conserve our precious water resources and not put ourselves under financial pressure through heightened water bills due to increased consumption,” Mayor Ireland added.
“Current data suggests that heightened water consumption is the underlying cause of some of these larger water bills.”
Council has received criticism from some residents lately, that the pricing structure for water is the reason for their larger-than-normal water bills.
“To ensure that the cost of water is fair and equitable, Council has resolved to revisit the water pricing structure as part of its preparation of the 2024/2025 annual budget,” Mayor Ireland said.
“In 2020, councillors agreed to move to a two-tiered price structure over a five-year period to encourage responsible water use, to align with comparable councils across Australia, and to ensure sufficient revenue to cover operating costs and the cost of building new water infrastructure,” Mayor Ireland added.
“Council is happy to review this. Four years into the transition to the new price structure, we find ourselves at a critical juncture, and some of our residents are feeling the pinch. Whatever pricing model council chooses to use, we need to generate enough revenue to keep water supply up to our residents.”
Apart from its own water supply from Waterpark Creek, Livingstone Shire Council buys water from Rockhampton Regional Council. Livingstone is charged a combination of consumption and access charges, with a 15 percent premium payable if the total volume of water taken exceeds 3,600 kilolitres per year.
Mayor Ireland urged residents to make conscious efforts to reduce water consumption in the long term. By making small changes in our daily routines, we can significantly reduce our water consumption and ultimately lower our bills.
"Water, like electricity, is an essential utility. Just as flicking a switch reminds us of the cost of electricity, turning on a tap is a gentle reminder that every drop counts,” he said.
Tips to save water and money:
- Avoid planting large trees over pipes.
- Regularly inspect pools for cracks and leaks.
- Maintain automatic watering systems.
- Turn taps off gently to extend washer life.
- Regularly read your meter and keep a consumption log
- Install water hammer arrestors for pipe longevity.
- Ensure building work is done by licensed professionals and approved by Council.
Additional online resources for practical tips on conserving water can be found at https://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/living-here/my-property/water-meters-and-billing
All comparative data on council water operations is publicly available by visiting https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/local-government/for-councils/resources/local-government-comparative-reports