Riverina Water is investing $21 million in water and wastewater projects across its network in 2026–27.
This includes $3.3 million for water main replacement and installation, $1.7 million for treatment plant projects, and $1 million for reservoir projects. The NSW utility will also spend $11 million on its solar farm and energy storage project.
Customers will see an 8 per cent increase in water bills from July 1, which Riverina Water chair Gail Driscoll explained further.
“The board carefully considers any changes to fees and charges; balancing the cost pressures facing our organisation with our responsibility to maintain the infrastructure and services our communities rely on,” she said.
“Riverina Water continues to provide some of the most affordable drinking water in the state. Our fees and charges are the sixth lowest in the latest comparison data, with our average annual residential bill more than $250 lower than the NSW median.”
The utility said it is not immune to rising costs for materials, energy and day-to-day operations.
“At the same time, ongoing investment is needed to maintain and renew infrastructure, support population growth and ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the more than 77,000 people who rely on Riverina Water every day,” the utility said in a statement.
Riverina Water chief executive officer Andrew Crakanthorp echoed this sentiment.
“Providing safe, reliable water requires ongoing investment in infrastructure, maintenance and planning,” he said.
“Our region is growing, and we need the right infrastructure in place at the right time to support that growth. Whether that’s additional treatment capacity, increased storage, or continuing to maintain and expand our supply network.”
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