Legend: Blue Size 12 Underline = Level 2 Green Size 11 Underline = Level 3 Yellow Highlight = Hyperlinks Green Highlight = Comments/notes Content Listing: “RESIDENTIAL” Pay A Bill Your bill (residential customers) We issue your bill three times a year, January, May and September Your bill contains separate charges for: water volume water service sewerage (wastewater) service Owner-occupiers pay all charges. Tenants pay the water volume charge only. If you have eligible rebates for purchasing waterwise products, these will appear as credits on your bill. Account Payment Also have link to Aust Post Online Bill Payment portal – I think we need to register for this. Payment Options Australia Post Payments may be made at any Australia Post Office Direct Debit Please call 1300 851 636 to arrange a Direct Debit authority. Forms may also be downloaded by following the link under Forms below. Please note, direct debit is not available for credit cards. Credit Card Please call 1300 301 636 and have your account and credit card ready. You will be asked for your Credit Card number, Expiry date, REFERENCE NUMBER and Amount to pay. You will also be asked the last 3 digits on the reverse side of your credit card. This provides additional security for users. Please remember to record your receipt number. In Person Payments in person can be accepted at: South Gippsland Water 14 - 18 Pioneer Street, Foster Monday - Friday 8.30am- 5.00pm By Mail Please make cheques or money orders payable to: South Gippsland Region Water Corporation Send to: South Gippsland Water PO BOX 102, Foster VIC 3960 Centre Pay Please contact South Gippsland Water Customer Service on 1300 851 636 to organise payments via Centrepay or you can contact Centrelink directly.. B-Pay Register with your participating financial institution to become a Bpay customer. Contact your participating financial institution to make this payment direct from your cheque, savings or credit card account. When prompted, enter the Biller Code and Reference number shown on the front of the account. Update Details Update Details/Moving House Moving house? This page contains specific information for customers who are moving into or out of a property. This information is for owners (landlords), tenants (renters) and estate agents. Renting: information for tenants If you rent a home with its own water meter, you are usually responsible for paying the water usage charges (the owner normally pays the fixed water and sewerage service charges). When you move in/out of a rental property, please notify us at least 2 days prior to your move. We will endeavour to arrange to take a reading of the water meter on the day you move. This ensures you are only billed for water used while you occupy a property. Link to Form Buying or selling: information for property owners When you buy or sell a property connected to South Gippsland Water's supply network, you need to notify us in writing at least two days prior to settlement. This is usually arranged by your solicitor/conveyancer. Your solicitor/conveyencer should organise a special meter reading of your water meter prior to settlement. This ensures you are only billed for water used while you occupy a property. Please ensure that we have your correct mailing address. Notes for solicitors and conveyancers Please submit a notice of acquisition (for the purchaser) or disposition (for the vendor). You can request a property information statement, special meter reading or drainage plan using our Property Enquiry Application Form – Link to Form Understanding your usage & bill Your Water Bill - What can it tell you? South Gippsland Water's bills include two useful pieces of information when it comes to saving water. A graph showing water use for the last four billing periods [16 months] and a table showing average daily water use, in litres, for the current billing period and the same period last year. [A billing period is 4 months, with 3 bills sent per year.] Want an image of sample SGW Bill with areas circled/explained e.g. like Wannon water’s below or western water’s I have had a go at this – see next page How to contact South Gippsland Water 12-1234-1234-12-1 Jane Citizen 1 Main Street Your Town VIC 1234 The property where we supply water and/or wastewater services – the property this bill relates to Your Account Number, Amount due and payment due date 1 Main Street, Your Town, VIC 1234 Set services charges for Water and Wastewater Serial number of your water meter The volume and cost of water used You can compare your average daily water usage to the same time last year This graph shows your water usage over the 4 bills (16 months) Concession amount deducted (only if eligible) Jane Citizen Bring this slip with you if paying in person or send it with your cheque 1 Main Street, Your Town, VIC 1234 1234567890-0 You will need this reference number when paying by Credit Card. Note: Your reference number changes when you move property 1234567890-0 You will need these reference numbers when paying by BPay. Note: Your reference number changes when you move property Reading your meter South Gippsland Water reads water meters 3 times a year, in March, July and November. Owners are responsible for ensuring the meter is accessible. You can help the meter readers by maintaining the area around the water meter, so that it is easy to locate, and easy to read. Prune or remove overgrown plants, clear mulch or soil to ensure the meter is above ground and remove obstacles to ensure the meter is easy to locate and access. These simple actions will make the reading of meters quick and easy and help keep your accounts as accurate as possible. South Gippsland Water uses metric water meters which read in kilolitres (a thousand litres). The meter itself should be located near where the water service pipe crosses your property boundary, together with a stop tap that turns off the supply. Savewater Fact Sheet - How to read your water meter – PDF Savewater Video – Reading a meter How to read your meter You can keep track of the amount of water being used by members of your household by reading your meter regularly. Note: We do not own this image – this is from another water corporation’s website. There is usually a cover flap over the meter face, this lifts up to reveal the counter, which has four black and three red digits, as shown below. The meter is read from left to right. The black figures measure kilolitres and the red figures litres. Where billing is concerned you only need to read the black numbers (on a white background) which measure the kilolitres. South Gippsland Water only bills for the amount of kilolitres consumed (1 kilolitre = 1000 litres). Reading your water meter regularly and keeping a simple record of your consumption can help you alter your consumption habits. Reading Your Meter For Leak Detection Reading your meter can also help you detect possible leaks. A simple check involves turning off all water consumption devices and taps on your property (don't turn the tap or stopcock off at the meter) and look to see if the water meter is still recording. If it is, you may wish to consult a licensed plumber to investigate and carry out appropriate repairs. To check for slow leaks read the meter before going to bed or before you leave the house for a number of hours (as many as possible) and then again when you wake up or return, before any water is used. The red numbers can be read to see how much water your average shower, laundry cycle or dishwasher uses. Just make sure to turn off all other water using appliances to give you an accurate reading. Meter accessibility The property owner is responsible for keeping the water meter accessible at all times for reading. This may require the trimming of trees/bushes, raising the meter above ground level or removal of debris from around the meter site. Concessions & Plans Concessions Water and Sewerage Concessions are available for eligible concession card holders (owners and tenants), on their principle place of residence. Eligible Cards: Pension Concession Card (PCC) issued by Centrelink or Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Repatriation Health Card Health Care Card (excluding “Commonwealth Seniors Health Card”) Ineligible Cards: The following cards are ineligible for concession on water and sewerage service charges including: Commonwelath Seniors Health Card Victorian Seniors Card DVA Gold Card – Dependant DVA White Card – Specific Ineligible Health Card Cards are: “CD” (Child Disability) and “FO” (Foster Care) Eligibility Criteria: The property must be your principle place of residence. You must be responsible for payment of the Service Account. The name and address on the Service Account needs to match the name and address on your Concession Card. If the concession is not shown on the front of your account, or to apply for a concession for the first time, please contact South Gippsland Water’s Customer Service Department on (03) 5682 0444 or 1300 851 636. Alternatively you can complete the online Concession Application form (LINK to Centrelink form) or Print it out and forwarded it to South Gippsland Water, PO Box 102, Foster VIC 3960. Department of Human Services: concessions - http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/financialsupport/concessions Centrelink/Centrepay Centrepay If you receive a Centrelink payment you can pay your bills by convenient, automatic, fortnightly instalments. To set up Centrepay contact us to register or you can contact Centrelink directly. Centrepay is a free direct bill-paying service offered to customers receiving Centrelink payments. Through Centrepay you can chose to pay bills by having a regular amount deducted from your Centrelink payments Things to know You can set up and manage your Centrepay deduction with Centrelink or with us. You can use Centrepay to pay your existing charges, and set it up for future bills. The minimum deduction is $10 a fortnight. You can change, suspend or cancel your payment arrangements at any time. There is no cost to use Centrepay. More information Centrelink website: about Centrepay http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/centrepay Centrelink website: Centrepay deduction form http://www.humanservices.gov.au/spw/customer/forms/resources/sa325-1311en.pdf Financial hardship: Utilities Relief Grant (URGS) Customers experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for a Utility Relief Grant from the Department of Human Services The Department of Human Services provides assistance for domestic customers who are unable to pay their utilities bills due to a temporary financial crisis. To be eligible you must hold one of the following concession cards: Pensioner Concession Card Health Care Card You may also be eligible if your household income is lower than the cap set by the Department of Human Services. You must also meet one or more of the following criteria: a significant increase in usage recent decrease in income, for example loss of employment high unexpected expenses on essential items the cost of your water bill is more than 10% of your household income. the cost of shelter is more than 30% of your household income. Please contact us for further information or to apply for a Utility Relief Grant. Applications can be made once every two years. Living Victoria Rebates (Residential) PDF – Application Form The below copy is all from DEPI who administer the rebates. http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/water/saving-water/water-rebate-program Home and Garden Rebates All Victorian domestic households, including those that are self-supplied (not connected to a reticulated water supply) can obtain rebates on eligible products purchased and installed between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2015. Households can obtain a rebate on a 5-star water-rated (WELS) and at least a 4-star energy-rated washing machine, and a swimming pool cover with a roller or reel. Other eligible products include rainwater tanks connected to a toilet and/or laundry, water efficient showerheads, upgrading to eligible dual flush toilets, garden products and systems for reusing household waste water. Terms and conditions apply. Living Victoria Water Rebate Program: home and garden brochure (PDF 693 KB) Claiming a Home and Garden Rebate There are separate claim forms to be filled out in order to apply for a rebate, depending on the water connection to your household. Households connected to a reticulated urban water supply (such as mains water) and that receive a water bill from an urban water corporation should use the Reticulated water supply claim form (PDF 272 KB). Households that are self supplied with water (for example tank water) that do not receive a water bill should use the Self-supplied water supply claim form (PDF 263 KB). To be eligible for a rebate, the product must be purchased and installed between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2015. All claims for products purchased in this period must be lodged by 30 September 2015. You will need to attach your receipts and proof of installation (Plumbing Industry Commission certificate where required) – details are on the claim form. Facts sheets are also available in a range of other languages to assist in claiming rebates. Our Tariffs & Prices We issue your bill three times a year, January, May and September Your bill contains separate charges for: water volume water service sewerage (wastewater) service Owner-occupiers pay all charges. Residential tenants pay the water volume charge only. If you have eligible rebates for purchasing waterwise products, these will appear as credits on your bill. Below are our current Tariffs and Prices ANNUAL TARIFFS 2013-2014 WATER SERVICE CHARGE: Korumburra, Loch, Nyora, Poowong, Leongatha, Koonwarra, Meeniyan, Dumbalk, Foster, Fish Creek, Toora, Port Franklin, Welshpool, Port Welshpool, Port Albert, Alberton, Yarram & Devon North. Annual Per Account 1. General Tariff $305.40 $101.80 2. Vacant Land $305.40 $101.80 3. Agreements $277.65 $ 92.55 4. Concessional $250.35 $ 83.45 WATER SERVICE CHARGE: Wonthaggi, Inverloch & Cape Paterson. Annual Per Account 1. General Tariff $342.30 $114.10 2. Vacant Land $342.30 $114.10 3. Agreements $307.65 $102.55 4. Concessional $250.35 $ 83.45 WATER VOLUMETRIC CHARGE: All areas. $1.66 cents per kilolitre (1,000 litres). To be charged from January 2014 bill onwards. WASTE WATER SERVICE CHARGE: All serviced areas. 1. General Tariff 2. Vacant Land Annual Per Account $453.90 $266.40 $151.30 $ 88.80 Accounts are due: 30th September, 31st January & 31st May each year. Faults/Leak/Difficulties For all faults leaks and difficulties Contact Us on 03 5682 0444 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Report a fault, leak or service interruption If you have any a problem with your water or sewer service, or if you want to report a leak or burst, call our 24-hour number 5682 0444 In an emergency you can stop the flow of water to your house by turning off the stop tap at your water meter (see photograph right for a typical example). Your water meter is usually located close to the front of the property. When reporting a fault, leak or service interruption it is helpful if you can provide the following information. What we will ask you - Leaks Is the leak inside your home or property boundary? If the leak is inside your home or property boundary then the home owner is responsible. If you are the home owner, you should contact a plumber or your insurer, and if you are a tenant you should contact your landlord or property manager. Have you turned off your stop tap? You can stop the flow of water to your house by turning off the stop tap at your water meter. Where is the leak? If the leak is outside your property boundary then contact us on 03 5682 0444. We need to know the location (street names and house numbers are useful). What is the speed of the leak? Try to assess the speed of the leak. Is it gushing, leaking or just trickling? Is the leak affecting your water pressure? Turn on your cold water tap to check if your water pressure has been affected. Is it causing damage? Try to assess the situation and whether it is an emergency. Water Service Interruptions Are your neighbours having the same problem? Ask your immediate neighbours if they have the same problem to check if your property is the only one affected. If they do, it is likely that this is a mains water supply problem, in which case contact us immediately. Sewerage (Wastewater)Service Interruptions Has your property been flooded or is in danger of being flooded with sewerage? Try to assess the situation and the urgency of your sewer issue. Is your toilet blocked inside your home or property boundary? If your toilet is blocked inside your home or property boundary then the property owner is responsible. If you are the home owner, you should contact a plumber or your insurer, and if you are a tenant you should contact your landlord or property manager. How to read your meter You can keep track of the amount of water being used by members of your household by reading your meter regularly. Note: We do not own this image – this is from another water corporation’s website. There is usually a cover flap over the meter face, this lifts up to reveal the counter, which has four black and three red digits, as shown below. The meter is read from left to right. The black figures measure kilolitres and the red figures litres. Where billing is concerned you only need to read the black numbers (on a white background) which measure the kilolitres. South Gippsland Water only bills for the amount of kilolitres consumed (1 kilolitre = 1000 litres). Reading your water meter regularly and keeping a simple record of your consumption can help you alter your consumption habits. Reading Your Meter For Leak Detection Reading your meter can also help you detect possible leaks. A simple check involves turning off all water consumption devices and taps on your property (don't turn the tap or stopcock off at the meter) and look to see if the water meter is still recording. If it is, you may wish to consult a licensed plumber to investigate and carry out appropriate repairs. To check for slow leaks read the meter before going to bed or before you leave the house for a number of hours (as many as possible) and then again when you wake up or return, before any water is used. The red numbers can be read to see how much water your average shower, laundry cycle or dishwasher uses. Just make sure to turn off all other water using appliances to give you an accurate reading. Undetected Leak Grant South Gippsland Water provides assistance to eligible customers as a goodwill gesture, who experience and undetectable water leak at their property. Please contact us, as strict criteria apply such as unusually high volume of water recorded, the leak is not easily detected and the leak must be located and repaired by a licenced plumber. An application must be received in writing including a brief explanation of circumstances and a copy of the plumbers invoice enclosed. Forms Need ‘live’ versions of some of the key forms – only have pdf print out/fill in forms currently. Would like to update the look of these too. All PDF forms below need to be printed, completed as a hard copy and then faxed or posted to South Gippsland Water. Application to Connect to Water and Sewer - PDF Property Enquiry Application Form - PDF Change of Postal Address - PDF Change of Tenancy Form - PDF Change of Tenant All Charges Form - PDF Direct Debit Request - PDF Direct Debit Agreement - PDF Concession Application Form - PDF Private Fire Services - application for pressure and flow information - PDF Water Conservation Plan and Exemption Form (Swimming Pools) - PDF Water Restriction Exemption Form - PDF Sportsground Water Use Plan Form - PDF Request for Property Drain Sewer and Water Information - PDF Rebate Application Form Reticulated Water Supply - PDF New forms http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/176285/Reticulated-Claim-Form_201215_Final.pdf Rebate Application Form Self Supplied Water - PDF http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/176286/Self-Supplied-Claim-Form_201215_Final.pdf Rebate Application Form Small Business – PDF http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/176348/SB-Claim-Form_201215_Finala.pdf Water Efficient Showerhead Program Water Efficient Showerhead Program Around 30% of household water use is in the shower. You can cut that down by installing a free water efficient showerhead. Here's how: 1. Register: Call us on 1300 851 636. 2. Delivery: We'll deliver to your address for FREE a brand new water efficient showerhead. This may take 4-6 weeks for delivery from the time you register. 3. Install: Learn how to install your new showerhead with the below video. Conditions: South Gippsland Water customers only Maximum of two showerheads per property Showerheads are not suitable for gravity fed or low pressure hot water systems Savewater Video – Installation of showerhead. Bushfires & Your Water Supply Bushfires and your water supply As fire season approaches, we are preparing our people and pipe networks to cope with extreme conditions. However, it is important to remember South Gippsland Water cannot guarantee that water pressure or an uninterrupted water supply will be maintained in the event of a bushfire. South Gippsland Water has: Dedicated portable generators on standby, to return power quickly to fire-damaged pumping stations and water sources Installation of deluge systems at our key pumping stations and treatment facilities Water carters on standby to transport emergency water supplies Despite these efforts, extreme circumstances may prevent South Gippsland Water from maintaining water pressure or an uninterrupted water supply during a bushfire. Loss of electricity may cause loss of power to our pumps, which transfer water across the region. Extreme increased demand for water from residents and the CFA during a bushfire may cause a reduction in pressure or total loss of water. What you can do: We recommend you consult the CFA about preparing your family and home for a bushfire. Go to the CFA website or call 1800 240 667 for more information. You can also help by ‘adopting’ a fire hydrant near your home. It is essential that fire fighters have quick and easy access to hydrants for water during a bushfire - help keep the hydrant nearest your property clear, visible and accessible at all times by: Clearing soil grass and shrubs from around the hydrant Keeping vehicles clear of the hydrant Reporting any visible faults, damage or missing markers to your local Council or South Gippsland Water on 1300 851 636. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CFA Website Phone South Gippsland Water on 1300 851 636 FAQs My water has a strong chlorine taste... All drinking water supplies are disinfected with chlorine. The addition of chlorine ensures that any pathogens (disease causing agents) are killed and that the water is safe to drink. The reticulation/pipe work system is regularly monitored to ensure that appropriate chlorine levels are present to ensure there is disinfection downstream of the treatment plant and safe water is delivered to the customer's tap. Chlorine begins to be noticeable to average persons at levels greater than 0.6 mg/L. The chlorine residual within the supply can dissipate over time and distance. To try to maintain some chlorine at the extremities of, the reticulation system, the dosage at the treatment plant is often in excess of 0.6 mg/L. As excessive chlorine may cause taste and odour problems, the dosage is carefully managed. Customers located near the treatment source will be supplied with water that has higher levels of chlorine and could be more susceptible to the taste and smell of chlorine than those customers that are located further down the system. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines have an upper limit of 5 mg/L. South Gippsland Water is acutely aware that chlorine may degrade the taste and smell of water. The need for good tasting water is therefore carefully balanced against the need to guarantee water safety If your water has a strong chlorine odour or taste you can fill a large clean jug and let stand overnight. This will usually be enough time for the chlorine to dissipate. My water has a disagreeable taste, odour and/or smell... Many factors may contribute to water taste, smell and odour problems. The significant factors are algae and chlorine. Algae often grow in water storages particularly over the hotter summer months. As the bloom recedes and the algae die off they will release chemical substances into the water that may cause a disagreeable taste and odour. South Gippsland Water controls potential algae problems by adopting the following management approaches: Algae prevention. South Gippsland Water regularly monitors water storages for the presence of algae. If algae are detected in high numbers, if possible, the affected water storage will be taken off line. Water Treatment. Water treatment plants, treat water by a filtering process that will remove the majority of sediments and some taste and odour compounds What chemicals are added to the water supply? All potable drinking water supplies are treated to ensure that the water is safe and aesthetically pleasing. Chemicals are added to facilitate the treatment process. Below is an overview of the typical chemicals added during water treatment. For more detail on what specific chemicals are added to each treatment facility please view the Annual Drinking Water Quality Report on the XXXXX web page. Small quantities of Alum (Aluminium Sulphate) are added to the raw water during the treatment process. This chemical causes pollutants such as bacteria and sediments to flocculate into larger clumps that can be extracted by a clarification / filtration process. In some cases an additional chemical known as a polymer is used to assist the alum in the flocculation process. An essential part of the treatment process involves the addition of a disinfecting agent to kill off any remaining bacteria that are not extracted during the filtration process. South Gippsland Water uses chlorine-based chemicals such as chlorine gas or sodium hypochlorite to disinfect the water. The amount of chlorines added is equivalent to less than half a cup in an average -sized backyard swimming pool. If too much chlorine is added the taste and odour of the water may be degraded and so this process is carefully managed. Where water has to travel over long distances, ammonia is added to create chemicals (chloramines) which have superior disinfection characteristics. The addition of treatment chemicals alters the pH of the water. Lime or Soda ash is added as a final step of the treatment process to restore the pH balance. How do I find out about the water quality in the supply system? South Gippsland Water publishes monthly water quality testing results and an annual report on water quality. These can be viewed on the XXXX page. My water leaves a stain when it is boiled Many of the catchments in South Gippsland contain naturally occurring minerals such as iron, calcium and manganese. When the water is boiled the water will evaporate and leave a precipitation of mineral salts. These minerals may cause scale to accumulate in kettles and hot water services. This is not a concern from a health perspective. For further information on Water Quality see the Water Quality web page or Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. (Link) My water is discoloured Customers served by treated water supplies should receive water that is aesthetically pleasing and consistent in quality. Water may become discoloured from disturbance of sediment in the supply system, or from corroding internal piping. Flushing the pipe can clear sediment and discoloration. South Gippsland Water undertakes a regular flushing program in all of its systems to prevent sediment build up. Private plumbing can also be flushed if water is a problem by running your taps on a high flow rate for a short period. Advice from professional plumbers should also be sought if internal plumbing is thought to be the cause. How do I tell where the cause is? To determine the source of discolouration try the following steps: Take two white containers (white ice-cream containers are perfect). Turn on the tap closest to the meter and fill one container. Leave the tap running for a few minutes then fill the other container. If the first sample is discoloured and the later sample is clear, the piping between the water main and the meter may be the cause. If there is no difference, the water supply is the likely cause. If this is the case, please contact us – 5682 0444. Apply the same procedure on the tap furthest away from the meter, normally a back yard tap. If the water from the tap closest to the meter is clean and the water from the back yard tap is not, it is likely the internal plumbing is the cause and a plumber will be able to advise of a solution such as pipe replacement. What is Potable Water? Water that is fit for drinking purposes is termed "potable". Drinking water must meet a number of strict health and aesthetic quality standards as specified in the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003.(LINK) The region is serviced with a number of water treatment plants and monitoring is undertaken to ensure this standard is maintained at all times. Who is a "Water Supply By Agreement" customer? Customers that do not have access to a water reticulation main are provided a water service in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in a Water Supply Agreement. Water Supply By Agreement customers are generally those customers on rural pipelines or customers on the outskirts of an urban water supply district. Customers are asked to enter into a Water Supply By Agreement contract if the pressure and or quality of water supplied cannot be guaranteed. As such Water Supply By Agreement customers will be supplied with either potable (drinking) or non-potable (non-drinking) water and separate agreements will be issued depending on the type of water supply the customers receive. Other FAQs to cover are: How to report a water main break (covered under ‘faults leaks and difficulties’ page) How to prevent damage to pipes (what trees not plant, etc) How to check for leaks (covered under ‘faults leaks and difficulties’ page) How to read your water meter (Covered under ‘reading your meter’ page) Problems with water pressure Problems with water hammer and noise