Price hike could be offset with smaller pipes, water utility says

Tasmanian businesses have strongly opposed TasWater's suggestion to decrease pipe sizes to reduce fixed water bills. The state's water utility claims that charges are based on the size of a property's water meter connection. However, users argue that replacing meter connections could be expensive. Tasmanian businesses have criticized a proposal by the state's water utility, urging customers facing bill increases to reduce the size of their pipes.

Effective July, water bills for Tasmanian households and small businesses will increase by an average of 5.7 percent annually over the next four years. Some businesses have reported fixed water bill increases of up to 500 percent. During a parliamentary inquiry, some businesses suggested reducing meter connections to 20 millimeters as a possible solution to lower water bills.

One local business estimated that replacing pipes could cost up to $100,000, with no guarantee that the pipes could be reduced to 20 millimeters. TasWater acknowledged the financial impact on businesses but emphasized that fixed charges cover the cost of maintaining capacity. Businesses were encouraged to discuss potential costs and savings with TasWater on a case-by-case basis.