The table illustrates the cost of water usage in five Australian cities, focusing on the charges for usage up to and over 125 kilolitres (KL) and the average household water bill.
Overall, Sydney has the highest water usage charges for both categories, while Melbourne has the lowest charges. However, the average household water bill is highest in Perth and lowest in Melbourne, suggesting a difference in water consumption patterns.
In detail, Sydney charges the most for water, with a rate of $0.98 per kilolitre for both up to and over 125 KL. Brisbane follows closely, charging $0.81 for the first 125 KL and $0.84 for additional usage. Melbourne has the lowest rates, at $0.78 per kilolitre for both categories. Adelaide and Perth charge the same rate of $0.42 for up to 125 KL, but Perth’s rate increases significantly to $1.50 for over 125 KL, compared to Adelaide’s $1.00.
As for the average household water bills, Perth has the highest figure at $332, despite having one of the lowest initial rates. Sydney is next, with an average bill of $319, followed by Adelaide and Brisbane, which have similar amounts of $312 and $310, respectively. Melbourne records the lowest average household bill at $253, reflecting its consistently lower water usage charges.