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fatal.lordes Posted 27-10-2011 fatal.lordes

Bulk Billing Water - Pros and Cons

Hi all I just posted an earlier question and thought I might throw this one out there as well. I'm in a 62 townhouse complex which is currently on bulk water. We've not had a bill yet as the complex is not a year old and Urban Utilities is saying it could be another year until we get the bill. Those of us who are water conscious are very nervous as to how big this bill will be as we know some rented townhouses have 9 people living under one roof and they don't care about water use as they don't have to pay. Each unit has it's own individual meter box and a number of us believe it makes sense for us each to get our own water bills - that way the water conscious are only paying for what they use and the water wasters can get a wake up reality check. But the caretaker and the body corporate manager doesn't believe this is the way to go. Whereas Urban Utilities says it makes sense to be individually billed (but are they saying that because they get more money?) I'm wondering if others have experience on this and could share the pros and cons for both sides so that we can make an informed decision. I know that, even as individual units, we would still have to pay a bulk water price for the BC use (pool, etc), but surely that would be it? What's everyone's thoughts? Is there anything I should be considering? Thanks

Updated on 28-10-2011

Vannessa Pellatt

Vannessa Pellatt

posted the reply 28-10-2011

yes its me again, Not sure why its up to the Body Corprpate Manager or Caretaker - take a motion for individual water meter readings to a General Meeting for the Owners to decide. Meters to Cash or Silver Asset Services plus others read waters meters - call them discuss it with them and they will advise of pro and cons plus charges for the work. - Dont let Allconnex read them they will charge you extra for just breathing air. I think its the best solution, I have had many Body Corporates of mine install water meters. Water is way to expensive and getting worse - find the cheapest alternative and put it to a vote..... :D V

fatal.lordes

fatal.lordes

posted the reply 29-10-2011

Thanks Vannessa. We already have individual meters installed when the complex was built and, apparently it is normal to go immediately to bulk billed. So would we still have to get another party involved to read the meters? Wouldn't Urban Utilities (the company that sells the water) bill each unit directly and then we split the common water 62 ways (because of 62 units). Or do you suggest we stay a bulk billed but get a company in to read meters and split the bulk bill as per usage? If so, why do you suggest this way? This is what I'm keen to find out, the pros and cons for all the methods so we can work out the best method for us. As a single in a unit, I don't want to have to pay the same as the unit 3 doors down that has 9 people in it. :(

Strata Guy

Strata Guy

posted the reply 31-10-2011

Community Title Scheme properties Properties rated under a community title scheme are charged for water on a user-pays basis. Water consumption charges are split between the property owners according to their contribution schedule lot entitlement percentage. There is also an 'individual metering' option available to some community title scheme properties. This enables unit owners to pay for the water measured by their own meter. They may also have to pay a portion of any 'common property' water consumption. This may be possible if each unit has its own Council approved, easily accessible water meter. Queensland Urban Utilities is required to divide water consumption charges by Contribution Schedule Lot Entitlement under section 154(1)(3) of the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997. To find out if your property comes under a Community Title Scheme, please contact Queensland Urban Utilities on 13 26 57.

Vannessa Pellatt

Vannessa Pellatt

posted the reply 31-10-2011

Well said Strata Guy. :D

fatal.lordes

fatal.lordes

posted the reply 01-11-2011

Thanks all. We are still waiting for Urban Utilities to create our scheme. At least, that is what they said. And it's been a year since we've all moved in :(

Michael Waring

Michael Waring

posted the reply 05-11-2011

We had recent bill for year of $18000 dollars water bill and I questioned! It appears main line was connected to few units as students were living in and not getting charged hence Strata got bill. I think all should try get new thing in called"Smart Meters" Wireless Meters inside property so Meter Readers can scan so fairness is insured!Queensland Victoria has company but not NSW yet!

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