Water

Connecting your water

Moving house is a busy time, but it is important to arrange your water connection so you have supply when you move in.

If you are moving into a property as the owner, your water account may have been handled as part of the sale, while renters should have their water connection and payment terms outlined in the tenancy agreement.

Read through our tips and remember that water remains the responsibility of the land owner, so it is important that the account is established correctly.

SA Water is the main water retailer in South Australia.

Recent reforms allow some councils and private operators to supply water and wastewater services. However, South Australia does not have a competitive water industry, so it is most likely that SA Water provides water services to your property.

The landowner of a property is responsible for the water account (which is different to electricity and gas, as the occupant is usually responsible for those accounts). A landowner should establish a water account when a property is purchased.

Water supply charges are applicable to any property, or block of land, where water mains are accessible to connect to, even if there is no current connection or consumption at that property.

If you have purchased a property, or vacant block, you must make sure that your bills are sent to an address where you will receive them. If these bills are sent the street address of a vacant block, or rental property, they may not reach you as the account holder, and you may be unaware of a debt accruing.

You should contact your retailer if you are unsure if your water bills are being sent to the correct mailing address.

Landowners who rent out their properties are allowed to pass on full water consumption costs to tenants (as long as certain minimum criteria are met).

If you are a tenant, refer to your tenancy agreement for details regarding water costs.

Keep in mind that as a tenant you will not be billed directly, and the landlord or agent will usually send you a bill seeking reimbursement.

Moving in tips
  • Take a photo or write down the meter number and meter read when you first move into a property. Check these numbers against your first bill.
  • You cannot be disconnected for not paying water bills, but you can have your water supply significantly restricted. If you are having trouble paying on time, you should contact your retailer immediately.
  • If you rent a property and your landlord fails to pay (or recover money from you for payment), the water supply at the property may be restricted. If this happens, contact the Residential Tenancies Service.

You are responsible for providing safe, clear access to your water meter. If the meter is not accessible, your bill may be estimated. To avoid this, contact your retailer and discuss access options.

If you are eligible for an energy concession you should contact the Concessions SA Hotline on 1800 307 758 or refer to Department of Human Services for more information.

Moving out tips
  • Contact your retailer at least three days before moving out to cancel or transfer your account. If you do not do this, you may continue to be charged for the water used at the property.
  • Make sure you give the retailer your forwarding address for them to send you the final bill.
  • Take a photo or write down the meter read as you leave the property as proof, and check this against the final bill when you get it.
Connecting your water to a new property

If you are building a new property and will require a water connection there are several steps you must take.

You must provide building plans to SA Water prior building with details of the location and type of water connection that you require.

All paperwork must be completed correctly and you should allow time for the process and be prepared to pay for any charges that may be applicable.

Water supply charges are applicable to any property, or block of land, where water mains are accessible to connect to, even if there is no current connection or consumption at that property.

Applying for a new water connection

You will need to tell SA Water the location of the property and the type of connection you want.

SA Water will then tell you the conditions for connection and of any applicable fees or charges.

If your water connection needs to be away from the property (e.g. down the road) then your connection may differ from the standard agreement. You may be responsible for any costs involved as well as arranging maintenance or replacement of pipes from your property to the meter.

Contact SA Water for further information. Click here for SA Water's contact details.

Before you build

If you are about to build a new house, shed, carport or add an extension to an existing property, you must give SA Water a building plan at least 14 days before starting. You will also need to be aware of any easements on the property.

Contact SA Water for further information. Click here for SA Water's contact details.

Development and connection advice

For more information on requirements in relation to water supply and connections when it comes to building, developing, moving or renovating, SA water's 'Land Development and Connections' pages have all the information in one place.