Households in Melbourne’s south-east growth corridor are among the most fortunate in Victoria when it comes to reliable and affordable water services, according to a new statewide report on water utilities.
Residents in Casey and Cardinia, serviced by South East Water, are paying an average annual water bill of just $990 — one of the lowest in Victoria and well below the national average of $1,607.
South East Water was ranked 7th among Victorian water providers for having the best overall balance in water supply — factoring in pricing, reliability, and infrastructure performance.
Overall, Victoria ranked 6 nationally among Australian states in the same report for achieving strong performance in water affordability and service consistency.
Despite being one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, the area is holding up well in terms of service reliability. On average, locals experience just 89.3 minutes of unplanned water interruptions per year — far better than the national average of 119.5 minutes.
The study, compiled using data from the Urban National Performance Report, also found that the region sees 28.2 water main breaks and 14.7 sewer main breaks per 100km of infrastructure. While these figures aren’t the lowest in the state, they remain moderate given the population pressures and ongoing urban development across both municipalities.
Local plumber and water systems expert Cameron Anderson, owner of All Kind Gas & Plumbing, says the region’s water performance is a strong outcome but not one to take for granted.
“Unreliable plumbing disrupts daily life across Australia, leading to unexpected water damage, followed by high repair costs. For plumbers, pipe bursts and leaks mean a constant demand for emergency services but also tough working conditions, long hours, and pressure to deliver quick solutions in often deteriorating or outdated systems.
“To extend the life of their pipes, homeowners should conduct regular inspections, avoid chemical drain cleaners, and install pressure regulators. Identifying possible leaks and fixing them at an early stage can lower bills. Learning basic signs of pipe problems, like discolored water or reduced pressure, can save residents from overpaying for repairs. Preventative maintenance, such as flushing hot water systems and insulating exposed pipes, also goes a long way in avoiding costly repairs and ensuring reliable plumbing.”
