Coober Pedy Water Bills to Fall as SA Water Takes Over Network in 2026

Water bills in Coober Pedy could be three times lower after SA Water takes over the network, fixing leaks that lose 35% of water.
By Newsroom | Water Management, South Australia |

Residents of Coober Pedy, a remote South Australian town known for opal mining, have long faced exceptionally high water bills, reportedly three times the state average. This situation has created significant hardship for the community of about 1,500 people. However, a change is on the horizon, with the state-owned company SA Water set to manage the town's water network, a move expected to bring down costs. The town's water system has been plagued by issues, including significant water loss due to leaks in the treatment facility.

High Water Bills Impacting Daily Life

The cost of water in Coober Pedy has been a persistent challenge. Reports indicate that up to 35% of water produced at the town's treatment plant is lost due to leaks. This inefficiency, coupled with the cost of managing the water supply, has led to residents facing bills that are difficult to afford. The town's isolation, located approximately 850 kilometers north of Adelaide, also contributes to the complexity and cost of its services. Businesses in Coober Pedy have also voiced concerns, with over 70 businesses represented by the Coober Pedy Retail, Business and Tourism Association.

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Historical Efforts to Address Water Costs

The issue of high water prices in Coober Pedy has been raised with various levels of government over several years.

  • 2019: A petition calling for a water subsidy was presented to Parliament. At this time, residents faced an average increase of $390 on their water bills to help the local council manage its debts. There were also calls for a comprehensive review of water quality, availability, and pricing in remote communities.

  • 2020-2023: Discussions and reports continued regarding the town's water future. A confidential report detailing potential solutions was completed. Council administrators advocated for state government subsidies and explored ways to improve the council's financial sustainability, suggesting a citizens' poll on water costs versus rate increases.

  • Community Concerns: Community groups, such as the Coober Pedy Community Alliance, have expressed their views on the management of the water system. Some have favored keeping the system within community hands, while others have pushed for government intervention.

SA Water's Takeover and Future Pricing

The decision for SA Water to manage the Coober Pedy water network signals a significant shift. The state government asserts that this transition will lead to reduced water bills for residents.

  • Operational Efficiency: The takeover is expected to address issues like the substantial water loss from leaks within the existing network.

  • Pricing Model: While the state government has indicated lower bills, the final pricing model is still under development. This suggests that while costs are expected to decrease, the exact figures are yet to be finalized.

Community Perspectives

The management of Coober Pedy's water has involved various stakeholders and viewpoints.

  • Local Control vs. State Management: Some community members, like the chair of the Coober Pedy Community Alliance, have voiced a preference for local control over the water system. This perspective often stems from a desire for community self-determination.

  • Call for Parity: Others have argued for pricing parity with the rest of South Australia, emphasizing that all residents should have access to water at a reasonable and consistent cost. This viewpoint suggests that the state has a responsibility to ensure equitable service delivery.

  • Council's Role: The District Council of Coober Pedy previously managed the town's power and water, alongside other responsibilities. However, reports suggest the council was "cash-strapped" and "ill-equipped" to effectively manage these utilities, leading to calls for external assistance.

Evidence of Water Loss and Financial Strain

Multiple reports highlight the challenges faced by Coober Pedy's water infrastructure and the financial pressures on the local council.

  • Water Loss: Figures suggest that up to 35% of water produced at the Coober Pedy water treatment plant is lost due to leaks. This is a substantial amount and a key factor contributing to inefficiency and cost.

  • Council Finances: The District Council of Coober Pedy has reportedly been operating at a shortfall in its municipal activities, requiring increased revenue. Efforts were made to turn around the council's finances, with commercial activities reportedly operating profitably or at breakeven.

  • Resident Hardship: The human impact of these high utility costs has been noted, with situations described where residents may have to choose between basic needs like food and paying for utilities.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The impending takeover of Coober Pedy's water network by SA Water represents a significant development aimed at alleviating the burden of high water costs for residents. The stated intention is to reduce bills, address systemic issues like water loss, and provide a more stable water supply. While the specifics of the new pricing structure are still being determined, the move signals a commitment from the state government to resolve a long-standing problem. Further details regarding the implementation of SA Water's management and the finalized pricing model will be crucial for the community. The town's future access to affordable and reliable water now rests with the state's utility provider.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why will Coober Pedy water bills decrease starting in 2026?
SA Water will take over the town's water network in early 2026. This change is expected to fix leaks that lose 35% of water and make the system run better, leading to lower costs for residents.
Q: When will SA Water start managing Coober Pedy's water supply?
SA Water is set to manage the Coober Pedy water network starting in early 2026. This move aims to solve long-standing problems with high water costs and system inefficiencies.
Q: How much water was lost in Coober Pedy's old water system?
The old water system in Coober Pedy lost a lot of water, with up to 35% of the water produced leaking out. SA Water's takeover is expected to fix these leaks and stop this waste.
Q: Who is affected by the change in Coober Pedy's water management?
The change affects the 1,500 residents and over 70 businesses in Coober Pedy. They have faced very high water bills, sometimes three times the state average, and will now benefit from potentially lower costs and a more reliable supply.
Q: What problems did the Coober Pedy council have with managing water?
The District Council of Coober Pedy was reportedly cash-strapped and ill-equipped to manage the water system effectively. This led to high costs for residents and significant water loss due to leaks, prompting the state government's intervention.
Q: What was the history of trying to fix Coober Pedy's water costs before SA Water took over?
For years, residents and groups asked for help. In 2019, a petition asked for a water subsidy, and residents saw bills rise by $390. Discussions continued until 2023, with reports suggesting solutions, but the issues remained until SA Water's takeover was announced.