SA Water owed almost $63m in unpaid water bills as 55,000 customers struggle to pay

New data shows SA Water is owed a staggering amount in unpaid bills as tens of thousands of South Aussies struggle to pay on time.

Latest state government data revealed to parliament shows at least 55,000 customers owe SA Water almost $63 million in unpaid bills. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Tens of thousands of SA Water customers are struggling with millions of dollars in debts, official new figures show.

Latest state government data revealed to parliament show at least 55,000 customers owe the water agency almost $63 million in unpaid bills.

The figures, revealed in written responses to the Budget and Finance Upper House committee, compares to $43.3 million at the same time last year.

The state government last night said almost 30 per cent of the current debt was linked to the Whyalla steelworks, compared to nearly 20 per cent last year.

A government spokesman said the figures were similar to last year once the increased debt from the steelworks was taken into account.

Some customers – including Andrew ‘Cosi’ Costello – were hit with massive increases in their quarterly bills, after higher-than-usual usage over the summer months. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

However, the average South Australian household water bill increased by $80 last year, after the government hiked prices from July 1.

Premier Peter Malinauskas has said the increase will help pay for $1.5 billion in water infrastructure, including new mains and sewerage connections.

But opposition leader Vincent Tarzia called on the government to reverse the price hike as South Australians were already doing it tough in a cost-of-living crisis.

“The last thing South Australians need right now is higher fees and charges,” he said.

“Hardworking families should not have to foot an extra $85 and small business owners a whopping $348 annually for their water bills because of Labor’s poor planning and it’s clearly hitting hip pockets hard.”

Some customers – including Andrew ‘Cosi’ Costello – were hit with massive increases in their quarterly bills, after higher-than-usual usage over the summer months.

A government spokesman urged “consumers to be water wise during long, dry periods” as double their usage will mean twice the cost.

“SA Water has implemented several initiatives to assist customers in managing their bills,” he said.

He said this included payment flexibility and tailored assistance for those experiencing financial hardship.

Originally published as SA Water owed almost $63m in unpaid water bills as 55,000 customers struggle to pay