Overview

• Average household bills will rise from about $1,220 in 2024–25 to $1,388 in 2025–26, reaching a projected $1,695 by 2029–30, according to IPART.
• After the initial jump, prices will increase by about 5.1% a year excluding inflation through 2030 under the regulator’s determination.
• For a typical four‑person household using roughly 200 kilolitres annually, the change equates to about $168 more in the first year and about $77 more each year after.
• IPART’s final ruling provides $13.2 billion for infrastructure, lifting funding by $2.5 billion over its draft but still $3.4 billion below Sydney Water’s original request.
• The regulator urged stronger, targeted rebates for low‑income customers as developers and industry groups warn the reduced funding could constrain housing supply, with the decision following recent scrutiny of PFAS issues.