Average water bills increase from 1 July 2026
Victorian water bills will rise from 1 July 2026 after the Essential Services Commission approved the maximum prices that 18 water businesses can charge for water delivery, sewerage and other services in 2026-27.
Across Melbourne, the average annual owner-occupier bill will increase by about $73, or 6.8%, from $1,085 in 2025-26 to $1,158 in 2026-27. In regional Victoria, the average bill will rise by about $68, or 5.2%, from $1,311 to $1,378.
The commission approved the prices after reviewing tariffs for 16 water businesses and completing detailed price reviews for Melbourne Water and North East Water in June 2026.
Inflation is the main driver of the 2026-27 increase. Bills also change with water use, borrowing costs and, in Melbourne, an allowance linked to the desalinated water order.
South Gippsland Water and Gippsland Water
South Gippsland Water customers will face the biggest rise in a typical annual owner-occupier bill. Their bill will increase by about $132 a year to $1,537. Gippsland Water customers will see the smallest increase, with bills rising by about $42 to $1,534.
South East Water will still have the lowest typical annual owner-occupier bill in Melbourne at $1,136. Goulburn Valley Water will have the lowest typical annual bill in Victoria at $1,076.
Among metropolitan providers, Greater Western Water customers in the former City West Water area will pay $1,154, up $84. In the former Western Water area, the typical bill will be $1,215, up $66. Yarra Valley Water customers will pay $1,176, up $62.
Regional bill changes also vary widely. Barwon Water will rise by $60 to $1,243. Central Highlands Water will increase by $64 to $1,450. Coliban Water will jump by $103 to $1,735, one of the larger dollar increases listed by the commission.
The annual process sets the maximum prices each business can charge for specific services. According to the commission, that yearly check keeps prices aligned with broader water price reviews, which run every five years.
Gerard Brody, the Essential Services Commission chairperson and commissioner, urged customers who are under pressure to ask for help. They must help you manage your bills, and provide a range of options, such as flexible payment plans and assistance with concessions or grant applications.”
Victorians can also use the commission’s Water Bill Calculator to estimate their 2026-27 bill based on usage. The new maximum prices take effect at the start of the next financial year on 1 July 2026.
