The table presents the costs associated with water consumption across five Australian cities, specifically focusing on various rates per kilolitre and the average household bills.
Overall, significant variations are observed in both the usage charges and average bills across the cities. While Sydney and Perth exhibit the highest costs in certain categories, Melbourne demonstrates the most economical average bill.
In terms of usage charges per kilolitre, Adelaide and Perth charge the lowest rate of $0.42 for the first 125 kilolitres. However, for consumption exceeding this threshold, Perth’s rate escalates significantly to $1.50, which is the highest among the cities. In contrast, both Sydney and Brisbane impose higher initial rates of $0.98 and $0.81 respectively, although Brisbane’s incremental charge remains lower at $0.84 for consumption above 125 kilolitres. Melbourne’s usage charges are uniform at $0.78 per kilolitre regardless of the consumption level, positioning it as a relatively stable option for consumers.
Examining the average household bills reveals that Perth has the highest average bill at $332, which aligns with its elevated rates for excess consumption. Conversely, Melbourne boasts the most economical average household expenditure, amounting to $253. Adelaide’s average bill stands at $312, while Sydney’s average is slightly higher at $319. Brisbane, with its average bill of $310, rounds out the list, indicating a compelling balance between usage charges and overall costs amidst the cities surveyed.