The Tasmanian Economic Regulator has released its State of the Industry Report (2021–22) – an independent report that provides an overview and the identification of key priorities to improve the performance of water and sewerage services in Tasmania.
TasWater said the report recognises its continued success in meeting performance targets.
TasWater Chief Executive Officer, George Theo, said highlights from the report included the achievement of 100 per cent microbiological compliance of drinking water for the fourth year in a row.
“We’ve come a long way, removing all permanent public health alerts across Tasmania through the 24glasses Regional Towns Water Supply Program.
“We continue to improve drinking water quality for Tasmanians, delivering another 12 months of 100 per cent compliance across 60 separate drinking water systems through the state – supplying more than 200,000 households and businesses,” Mr Theo said.
The report also noted 96 per cent of disposed biosolids were beneficially reused.
“Our biosolids management program means that we are keeping waste out of landfill, instead repurposing it through composting and agricultural use, which is a better outcome for the environment.”
Mr Theo said the report also showed TasWater’s residential bills were nationally competitive.
“Freezing prices for two consecutive years has provided relief to our customers, with the average residential bill remaining close to the national median.
“Going forward, our customers benefit from water price certainty with modest 3.5 per cent increases each year for the next four years. In the context of escalating cost of living we are proud to deliver affordable services to our community.
The Economic Regulator also pointed out areas where we still have work to do, citing unaccounted for water as an ongoing issue.
“We are currently delivering the largest capital upgrade program in TasWater’s history, investing $1.8 billion in essential water and sewerage infrastructure. Recent water main improvement renewal includes projects in Bellerive, Wesley Vale and Burnie,” Mr Theo said.
“We have also been implementing active leakage management through the roll-out of more than 250 flow meters as part of our District Metered Areas project. This project identifies leaks that don’t come to surface so that we can undertake repairs across our extensive water network of 6,545km.
“Overall, the results from the report are pleasing, although we acknowledge there is more to do and we are committed to improving outcomes for our customers, communities and the environment.”
