Modern plumbing systems, originally developed by the Roman civilisation, marked a significant advancement by providing clean water and organised waste removal to houses, baths, public toilets, etc.. However, after the decline of the Roman Empire, much of this infrastructure deteriorated, leading to a period during which public sanitation regressed, and many were forced to rely on unsanitary methods.
Over centuries, water systems have evolved into complex networks that are now a vital part of urban infrastructure. Nowadays, a reliable water supply is not just a luxury; it is a necessity that supports hygiene, safety, and comfort. If water systems fail, the consequences can be immediate and costly, and the reasons for breakdowns are different, including pipe bursts, supply cuts, or drainage blockages. The reliability of plumbing infrastructure is critical for personal well-being and community resilience.
At All Kind Gas & Plumbing, we understand the importance of having a balance between fair pricing and reliable water systems. Thus, we decided to identify which Australian cities can offer the best balance in the cost-value ratio in water supply.
Key factors to assess water system reliability
In this study, we compared the most significant factors that demonstrate the reliability of Australian water supply companies across each state. The following indices have been used:
- Average annual residential water supplied in kL per property;
- Annual bill for water supply;
- Average duration of unplanned water supply interruption.
- Water main breaks, bursts, and leaks per 100 km;
- Sewer main breaks and chokes per 100km.
By ranking each state based on the aforementioned data, our team was able to assess which water supplier, operating within a specific area, can provide both households and local businesses with high-quality services and fair pricing.
Average Annual Residential Water Supplied
The average supply of water to residential properties reflects how consistently a water supplier meets household demand. Higher and stable volumes mean fewer service breakdowns and effective plumbing infrastructure, indicating a reliable water supply.
Annual Bill for Water Supply
The annual bill for water supply demonstrates the cost-efficient practices of water delivery within a specific area. A fair, stable bill suggests reasonable pricing and efficient management. Excessively high costs may lead to overcharging for water supply service, especially if constant breakdowns occur within a specific time.
Average Duration of Unplanned Water Supply Interruption
The following index shows how quickly a water provider responds to unexpected issues. Shorter durations indicate the efficiency of emergency response, while longer interruptions demonstrate poor infrastructure and management, leading to more serious consequences.
Water Main Breaks, Bursts, and Leaks per 100 km
The number of water main breaks indicates the overall condition of cities’ water infrastructure. Fewer incidents suggest well-maintained and modern plumbing systems with a lower risk of emergencies. More incidents, on the other hand, reflect the poor condition of the system, as well as outdated materials and technologies.
Sewer main breaks and chokes per 100 km
Similarly to water main breaks, high incident rates showcase aging water systems, which may lead to health risks, property damage, and costly repairs. Fewer incidents indicate the reliability of a city’s modern wastewater system.
Key Findings
- Cities with the best and worst cost/value ratio are both located in Victoria. Best – Mildura, Swan Hill, Robinvale, Red Cliffs, and worst – Phillip Island, Bass Coast.
- Despite Mildura, Swan Hill, Robinvale, and Red Cliffs being supplied 455 kL/property (126.1% more than the national avg.), the average annual bill is $1096 (31.8% lower than the national avg.).
- Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Bowen (Queensland) have 303 minutes of unplanned water interruption per year, which is 2.5x more than average, while the Armidale Regional Council area has only 16 minutes per year.
- Goulburn (1.1 per 100km), Grafton (1.5 per 100km), and Tamworth (1.6 per 100km), all located in New South Wales, have the lowest water main breaks per 100 km, which is approx. 92% lower than the national average (14.48 avg.).
- Mackay and Sarina have the lowest number of sewer main breaks (1.1 per 100km), however, rural towns in New South Wales have the highest – 133 per 100km (5.7x more than on average).
- Emerald (Queensland) has the highest annual water supply bill of $2,354, while Shepparton (Victoria) demonstrates the lowest annual spending ($937), as well as the next 6 cities of Victoria, as data shows.
- New South Wales is considered the state with the most water supply companies within a territory (28).
- The residents of the Australian Capital Territory are paying the lowest average annual water bill of $1,133; the highest pricing is in the Northern Territory ($2,045).
- Since 2019, year average water bill has decreased by $101 from $1701 to $1600.
- According to the average data compared with each Australian state, the best state with a balance in reliability and pricing is the Northern Territory, and the state with the least reliable water supply services is Tasmania.
- As of 2025, Australia has a total of 694 businesses operating in the water supply industry.
Regional Insights
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory demonstrates an average volume of annual supply of residential water of 393 kL per property. Cities, including Alice Springs (397) and Darwin (389), supply the highest annual water volumes within the region.
Also, the state has an average duration of unplanned water interruption of 80.6 minutes, while, for instance, New South Wales has 143.67 minutes, which proves the effective response to possible breakdowns in both cities- Alice Springs (85.5); Darwin (75.8).
Alice Springs shows a decent sewer main breaks per 100 km of 5.7. For a clear comparison, Townsville (Queensland) demonstrates 42.8 breakdown cases per 100 km, which proves the reliability of the water system in the region.
Western Australia
The average water main break index for Western Australia is 10.5, indicating that the state has a reliable water system. Mandurah (4th best) showcases one of the lowest water main breaks per 100 km (2.2), compared to other cities within all states. For example, Horsham (Victoria) has 39.8 water main breaks per 100 km.
Moreover, cities such as Geraldton (3.1), Busselton (3.7), and Australind (3.9) demonstrate one of the lowest sewer main breaks per 100 km, compared to other cities like Albury City (New South Wales), which results in 94 sewer breaks per 100 km. The average index across the whole state is 8.8 (2nd best).
Nevertheless, the residents of Western Australia have to pay an average bill of $1,982, as Geraldton ($2,218) and Eaton ($2,099) show impressively high water bills compared to other cities (Geelong, Victoria- $1,106).
Queensland
The state boasts experienced local plumbers, as cities like Yeppoon (17.8), Gladstone (24.4), and Emerald (30) demonstrate impressively low numbers in average duration of unplanned water interruption, showing effective response to emergencies.
Mackay and Sarina have the lowest sewer main breaks per 100 km of 1.1, compared to all cities across the country, followed by Gladstone (2.3), Emu Park (2.4), and Dalby (2.9).
Also, Emerald, Blackwater, and Springsure supplied the highest volume of annual residential water for the state (391 kL). In contrast, Phillip Island and Bass Coast (Victoria) have supplied only 91 kL per property (76% lower).
Australian Capital Territory
Although the water services across the Australian Capital Territory are maintained by a single water supply utility (Icon Water), Canberra and Queanbeyan have an annual bill of $1,133, which is 107% less than in Byron Bay, New South Wales ($2,354).
118.1 minutes of average water supply interruption demonstrate a proactive approach of local plumbers in repairing breakdowns. For a clear comparison, Albany (Western Australia) has 258 minutes of water interruption.
Additionally, with 8.8 water main breaks per 100 km, Canberra and Queanbeyan boast both reliable and modern water systems, which allow for the supply of water without breakdowns, while Innisfail, Tully, and Mission Beach (Queensland) demonstrate 31.2 water main breaks per 100 km.
South Australia
Residents of Adelaide, Mount Gambier, and Murray Bridge are paying the average price of $1,185 for water supply annually, and residents of Mount Barker have to pay $1,101 each year.
3 sewer main breaks per 100 km and 7.3 water main breaks showcase the reliability of water systems used in Mount Barker, while Adelaide, Mount Gambier, and Murray Bridge have 47 sewer and 14.3 water main breaks per 100 km.
Victoria
Mildura, Swan Hill, Robinvale, and Red Cliffs are demonstrating the highest volume of average annual water supply across all Australian cities (455 kL), while Phillip Island and Bass Coast have the lowest index of annual water supply (91 kL).
Several cities in Victoria, including Shepparton ($937), Cardinia ($990), Gisborne ($1,007), and Wodonga ($1,023), are offering the lowest water supply prices out of all Australian cities. Kempsey Shire (New South Wales), for example, has an average annual water price of $2,346, which is 150% more compared with Shepparton.
Cities, such as Barinsdale, Lakes Entrance, and Orbost (3.1), prove to have reliable sewage systems as they show one of the lowest sewer main breaks per 100 km. On the other hand, Geelong, Colac, and Apollo Bay demonstrate the highest number of sewer breakdowns per 100 km in Victoria (57.1).
New South Wales
New South Wales has an average water main break of 9.8 across the state. Victoria, in contrast, demonstrates 21.8 breakdowns within the region. According to the research, many cities in New South Wales are offering the most reliable water systems. Goulburn (1.1), Grafton (1.5), and Tamworth (1.6) are showing the TOP 3 lowest number of water main breaks compared to other Australian cities.
With the annual price of $1,525, Armidale showcases the lowest index of unplanned water interruptions, with only 16 minutes, while Bega, Merimbula, Eden, and Tathra are demonstrating an average water interruption of 302 minutes (1787% more compared to Armidale.
Grafton, Yamba, Maclean, Tathra, and Eden are considered to have the most reliable sewage systems in New South Wales, with only 2 sewer main breaks per 100 km. On the other hand, various small rural towns in New South Wales altogether demonstrate the highest number of sewer main breaks out of all cities in Australia (133 per 100 km).
Tasmania
All towns in Tasmania, including cities like Hobart and Launceston, are supplied with water by a single utility (TasWater). The average annual price for water supply in the region is $1,330.
Even though Tasmania has a relatively low price for water supply, the region has one of the most unreliable water systems, as the research shows. Tasmania has the highest number of water main breaks per 100 km of 42.8 (3791% higher than in Goulburn, New South Wales).
The region also demonstrates one of the highest indices for sewer breakdowns per 100 km (63.9), proving that residents may face constant breakdowns and water supply interruptions.
Cities with the most & least reliable plumbing systems
Best overall:
- Mildura, Swan Hill, Robinvale, Red Cliffs
- Alice Springs
- Emerald, Blackwater, Springsure
- Darwin, Palmerston
- Rockhampton region
- Townsville City
- Yeppoon, Emu Park
- Geraldton
- Australind, Eaton
- Busselton
These regional utilities hit the perfect “Goldilocks zone” for water utility economics – delivering massive water volumes efficiently while keeping costs reasonable. The data shows they provide 2-5 times more water per property than the worst performers: Mildura/Swan Hill region delivers 455 kL annually through Lower Murray Water’s direct Murray River access, while Alice Springs provides 397 kL and Darwin delivers 389 kL via its reliable Darwin River Dam. These volumes dwarf the 91-140 kL delivered by the worst performers, demonstrating superior supply security and operational efficiency. They achieve optimal economies of scale – large enough customer bases (17,000-180,000 people) to spread infrastructure costs but streamlined enough to avoid metropolitan complexity premiums.
These government-owned utilities (e.g., Power and Water Corporation Darwin, Lower Murray Water) provide services at acceptable costs without the pressure of achieving big profits. The statistics suggest that they are effective operators in what they do: most have low mains break rates (below 30 per 100 km of mains) and provide dependable service. Unlike most major cities, they benefit from direct access to good-quality water. This leads to comprehensive value given the value of water – residents obtain consistent, ample (3-4x more compared to poor performers) and reliable water service at a reasonable price.
Worst overall
- Phillip Island, Bass Coast
- Leongatha, Korumburra, Foster, Wonthaggi
- Warwick, Stanthorpe
- Lismore City
- Kempsey Shire
- Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Orbost, Mallacoota
- Logan City
- Warrnambool, Hamilton, Port Fairy, Heywood
- Toowoomba City
- Goulburn, Marulan
The data reveals these utilities basic inefficiency: Phillip Island/Bass Coast provides a 91 kL per annum (approx less than 20% of the top performers) and charges $1,321; Lismore provides 116 kL and charges $1,922 with the second-oldest infrastructure in Australia after Sydney, not to mention that constant main breaks and expensive refits trap them in reactive soils. These utilities are too small to achieve scale efficiencies, but too complex and costly in infrastructure for metropolitan levels.
Victorian coastal areas like Wonthaggi and Bass Coast are equipped with a desalination plant worth $3.5 billion in total. Thus, it adds $421 to the annual water bill regardless of whether the plant operates.
Queensland cities like Logan and Toowoomba face dual pricing from local councils and Seqwater’s bulk water authorities. Yet, Logan delivers only 134 kL annually compared to 455 kL from top-performing cities covered by Lower Murray Water. The data reveals their operational drawbacks: fragmented areas of service, aging infrastructure that requires constant maintenance, and small customer bases. These water companies essentially provide low water volumes (often under 150 kL annually) while charging relatively high prices.
Best (100k+ population)
- Darwin, Palmerston
- Townsville City
- Cairns City
- Shepparton, Echuca, Cohuna, Kyabram, Seymour, Euroa, Nagambie, and 54 towns in total
- Perth metropolitan area, Mandurah, Bunbury, Albany, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and regional WA towns
These utilities demonstrate that in acquiring volume gains, you can have secure water sources under your operations. The Power and Water Corporation service area of Darwin/Palmerston provides 389 kL per year for $2,036, 85% is supplied from the Darwin River Dam, with groundwater as contingency. Townsville and Cairns provide 327 kL and 247 kL at $1,764 and $1,601 respectively, partly because Queensland has reliable water sources and with one utility managing.
The standout water utility is Goulburn Valley Water, serving 150,000 people across 54+ towns, delivering 243 kL of water supply annually for just $937, proving that well-managed regional networks can outperform major cities. Perth’s Water Corporation benefits from state ownership and integrated regional management across 2.35 million people, providing 242 kL for $1,743 while avoiding the fragmented utility structures that harm eastern capitals. These large utilities succeed because they combine metropolitan-scale customer bases with regional operational simplicity: direct water sources, unified management structures, and government ownership focused on service delivery rather than profit maximization. Unlike Sydney or Melbourne’s complex multi-utility arrangements and expensive manufactured water dependence, these cities maintain straightforward supply chains that deliver great value at scale.
Worst (100k+ population)
- Logan City
- Toowoomba City
- Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, Mornington Peninsula, Cardinia, Casey
- Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey, Lancefield, Riddells Creek
- Melbourne’s northern and eastern suburbs
These water utilities’ scale works against efficiency when burdened with complex infrastructure and fragmented management. Logan City (358,297 people) delivers only 134 kL annually for $1,642, while facing dual charging structures from both Logan Council and Seqwater. Toowoomba (138,683) provides 140 kL for $1,683, showing how Queensland’s layered utility system creates cost inefficiencies even in regional centers.
Melbourne’s fragmented water system creates particular problems. South East Water serves 2.2 million people but delivers only 143 kL annually for $990, while Yarra Valley Water provides 144 kL for $1,031 to 2.5 million residents.. Greater Western Water (180,000 people) delivers 143 kL for $1,007, serving outer growth areas with newer but expensive infrastructure. The aforementioned water supply companies face common challenges: fragmented enterprises, rising administrative costs, dependence on industrial water sources, complex regulatory controls, and challenges in infrastructure expansion.
Expert Commentary + Recommendations
“Unreliable plumbing disrupts daily life across Australia, leading to unexpected water damage, followed by high repair costs”, says Cameron Anderson from All Kind Gas & Plumbing. In Brisbane, where aging infrastructure and extreme weather conditions like floods and heatwaves impact plumbing systems, residents face frequent leaks and pipe bursts. For us, “these issues mean a constant demand for emergency related work but also means putting the team in rough conditions, long hours, and often under pressure to deliver quick solutions in often deteriorating or outdated systems.”
“We often say to homeowners that in order to keep things flowing they ideally should do 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 discoloured 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 customers plumbing flows all year round.”
Summary
- Victorian cities dominate both extremes – the best performer (Mildura/Swan Hill region delivering 455 kL for $1,096) and worst performer (Phillip Island/Bass Coast delivering 91 kL for $1,321) are both located in Victoria.
- Water volume delivery varies dramatically – top performers deliver 2-5 times more water per property than worst performers, with the best providing 455 kL annually compared to as little as 91 kL for the worst.
- Government ownership correlates with better value – utilities like Power and Water Corporation (Darwin), Lower Murray Water (Mildura region), and Perth’s Water Corporation consistently outperform privatized or council-managed systems.
- Queensland’s dual-charging system creates inefficiencies – cities like Logan ($1,642 for 134 kL) and Toowoomba ($1,683 for 140 kL) face charges from both local councils and Seqwater, resulting in poor value ratios.
- Desalination infrastructure significantly increases costs – Victorian coastal areas connected to the $3.5 billion desalination plant pay an additional $421 annually, regardless of plant usage.
- Regional utilities outperform major metropolitan areas – Goulburn Valley Water serves 150,000 people for $937 annually, while Melbourne’s fragmented utilities charge $990-$1,031 for similar populations.
- Infrastructure age directly impacts costs – Lismore has Australia’s second-oldest water infrastructure after Sydney, resulting in $1,922 annual bills for only 116 kL delivery due to frequent main breaks.
- Service interruption times vary by 1,787% – Armidale has only 16 minutes of annual unplanned interruptions, while the Bega/Merimbula areas experience 302 minutes.
- Water main break rates differ by 3,791% – Goulburn has 1.1 breaks per 100km while Tasmania averages 42.8 breaks per 100km.
- The Northern Territory provides the best overall state performance, averaging 393 kL annual supply with 80.6 minutes of interruptions, while Tasmania shows the worst reliability with 42.8 water main breaks per 100km.
Full Table
| State | Cities/Areas Served | Provider (Utility) | Average Annual Residential Water Supplied (kL/property) | Typical Annual Bill ($) | Average Duration of Unplanned Interruption: Water (minutes) | Water Main Breaks, Bursts, and Leaks (per 100 km) | Sewer Mains Breaks and Chokes (per 100 km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Mildura, Swan Hill, Robinvale, Red Cliffs | Lower Murray Water | 455 | 1,096 | 63.7 | 26.9 | 13 |
| Northern Territory | Alice Springs | P&W (Alice Springs) | 397 | 2,053 | 85.5 | 24.5 | 5.7 |
| Queensland | Emerald, Blackwater, Springsure | Central Highlands | 391 | 2,354 | 30 | 24.9 | 26.4 |
| Northern Territory | Darwin, Palmerston | P&W (Darwin) | 389 | 2,036 | 75.8 | 13.8 | 7.9 |
| Queensland | Rockhampton region | Fitzroy River Water | 328 | 1,677 | 75.5 | 11.6 | 10.6 |
| Queensland | Townsville City | Townsville | 327 | 1,764 | 118 | 20.7 | 42.8 |
| Queensland | Yeppoon, Emu Park | Livingstone | 317 | 2,200 | 17.8 | 3.3 | 2.4 |
| Western Australia | Geraldton | WC (Geraldton) | 313 | 2,218 | 90 | 28.6 | 3.1 |
| Western Australia | Australind, Eaton | WC (Australind/Eaton) | 304 | 2,099 | 103 | 4.6 | 3.9 |
| Western Australia | Busselton | Busselton (W) | 297 | – | 161.3 | 5.7 | 3.7 |
| Western Australia | Kalgoorlie-Boulder | WC (Kal–Boulder) (W) | 286 | – | 67 | 13.6 | 13.1 |
| Queensland | Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Bowen | Whitsunday | 274 | 1,986 | 303 | 28.5 | 17.8 |
| Western Australia | Bunbury | Aqwest-Bunbury (W) | 270 | – | 40 | 8.4 | – |
| New South Wales | Dubbo Regional Council area | Dubbo | 263 | 1,707 | 120 | 15 | 57 |
| New South Wales | Various small rural towns in NSW | Essential Energy | 251 | 1,533 | – | 4.5 | 133 |
| Queensland | Cairns City | Cairns | 247 | 1,601 | 35.9 | 24.5 | 20.8 |
| Queensland | Bundaberg, Childers, Bargara, Burnett Heads | Bundaberg | 245 | 1,588 | 104 | 13 | 18.2 |
| Victoria | Shepparton, Echuca, Cohuna, Kyabram, Seymour, Euroa, Nagambie, and 54 towns total | Goulburn Valley Water | 243 | 937 | 78.6 | 11.3 | 8.6 |
| Queensland | Innisfail, Tully, Mission Beach | Cassowary Coast | 242 | 1,909 | 93 | 31.2 | 4.6 |
| Western Australia | Perth metropolitan area, Mandurah, Bunbury, Albany, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and regional WA towns | WC (Perth) | 242 | 1,743 | 170 | 12 | 17.4 |
| New South Wales | Albury City | Albury | 235 | 1,203 | 62 | 2.9 | 94 |
| Western Australia | Mandurah | WC (Mandurah) | 229 | 1,929 | 82 | 2.2 | 6.9 |
| Queensland | Gladstone, Tannum Sands, Boyne Island | Gladstone | 226 | 2,131 | 24.4 | 34.6 | 2.3 |
| New South Wales | Tamworth Regional Council area | Tamworth | 219 | 1,598 | 253 | 1.6 | 9 |
| Victoria | Horsham, Hamilton, Warrnambool, Portland, Camperdown | GWMWater | 215 | 1,339 | 134.4 | 39.8 | 39.7 |
| New South Wales | Byron Bay, Mullumbimby | Byron | 212 | 2,354 | – | 2.9 | 19 |
| South Australia | Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Whyalla, and most towns across SA | SA Water | 195 | 1,185 | 255 | 14.3 | 47 |
| Victoria | Wodonga, Wangaratta, Benalla, Bright, Mount Beauty, Myrtleford | North East Water | 194 | 1,023 | 96 | 13.4 | 7.7 |
| Queensland | Dalby, Chinchilla, Miles, Tara | Western Downs | 190 | 1,573 | 44.2 | 29 | 2.9 |
| New South Wales | Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, Berrima | Wingecarribee | 187 | 1,591 | 135 | 3.9 | 10 |
| Tasmania | Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie, and all towns across Tasmania | TasWater | 187 | 1,330 | – | 42.8 | 63.9 |
| New South Wales | Bathurst Regional Council area | Bathurst | 184 | 1,426 | – | 11.7 | 23 |
| Victoria | Bendigo, Castlemaine, Kyneton, Echuca, Heathcote, Maldon, and 38 towns total | Coliban Water | 184 | 1,432 | 109 | 25 | 11.8 |
| New South Wales | Sydney, Blue Mountains, Illawarra, parts of Central Coast | Sydney Water | 181 | 1,165 | 179 | 20.2 | 41 |
| New South Wales | Grafton, Yamba, Maclean, Iluka | Clarence Valley | 179 | 1,912 | 96 | 1.5 | 2 |
| Queensland | Redland City (Cleveland, Victoria Point, Capalaba) | Redland City | 179 | 1,863 | 130 | 8.1 | 14.8 |
| New South Wales | Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Camden Haven | Port Macquarie Hastings | 177 | 1,813 | 90 | 2.7 | 9 |
| Queensland | Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Howard | Fraser Coast | 174 | 1,855 | 152 | 7.9 | 4.5 |
| Western Australia | Albany | WC (Albany) | 174 | 1,919 | 258 | 8.8 | 13.5 |
| Queensland | Gold Coast City | Gold Coast | 170 | 1,797 | 127 | 5.9 | 5 |
| Australian Capital Territory | Canberra, Queanbeyan (NSW portion) | Icon Water | 169 | 1,133 | 118.1 | 8.8 | 39.1 |
| Queensland | Mackay, Sarina | Mackay | 166 | 1,533 | 30.5 | 3.1 | 1.1 |
| Queensland | Gympie, Rainbow Beach, Tin Can Bay | Gympie | 163 | 1,460 | 145 | 12.7 | 17.3 |
| Victoria | Geelong, Colac, Apollo Bay, Torquay, Ocean Grove, Portarlington, Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula | Barwon Water | 162 | 1,106 | 88.3 | 29.2 | 57.1 |
| New South Wales | Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, Port Stephens, Dungog | Hunter Water | 159 | 1,276 | 129 | 22.9 | 32.1 |
| New South Wales | Central Coast region (Gosford, Wyong areas) | Central Coast | 157 | 1,235 | 178 | 15.2 | 36 |
| New South Wales | Ballina Shire | Ballina | 155 | 1,708 | – | – | 15 |
| Victoria | Traralgon, Morwell, Churchill, Moe, Warragul, Drouin | Gippsland Water | 155 | 1,394 | 63.3 | 16.7 | 4.9 |
| New South Wales | Armidale Regional Council area | Armidale | 154 | 1,525 | 16 | 5.8 | 40 |
| New South Wales | Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Kingscliff | Tweed | 151 | 1,674 | 168 | 5.7 | 6 |
| Queensland | Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Noosa | Unitywater | 151 | 1,589 | 171 | 3.9 | 6 |
| New South Wales | Orange City | Orange | 148 | 1,548 | 123 | 8.5 | 56 |
| New South Wales | Cooma, Jindabyne, Bombala | Snowy Monaro | 147 | 1,774 | 120 | – | 116 |
| Victoria | Ballarat, Daylesford, Creswick, Maryborough | Central Highlands Water (Vic) | 147 | 1,291 | 116 | 16.2 | 15.1 |
| New South Wales | Bega, Merimbula, Eden, Tathra | Bega Valley | 145 | 2,209 | 302 | 5.3 | 2 |
| Queensland | Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, Somerset | Urban Utilities | 144 | 1,526 | 117 | 18.3 | 19.4 |
| Victoria | Melbourne’s northern and eastern suburbs | Yarra Valley Water | 144 | 1,031 | 96 | 34.6 | 25.8 |
| Victoria | Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey, Lancefield, Riddells Creek | Greater Western Water | 143 | 1,007 | 148.4 | 17.9 | 17.4 |
| Victoria | Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, Mornington Peninsula, Cardinia, Casey | South East Water | 143 | 990 | 89.3 | 28.2 | 14.7 |
| New South Wales | Nowra, Ulladulla, Berry, Kiama, Gerringong | Shoalhaven | 142 | 1,330 | 153 | 20.6 | 20 |
| New South Wales | Taree, Forster, Gloucester, Stroud | MidCoast Council | 142 | 1,904 | – | 11.5 | 16 |
| New South Wales | Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council | Queanbeyan | 142 | 1,672 | 130 | 13.4 | 77 |
| New South Wales | Coffs Harbour City | Coffs Harbour | 142 | 1,692 | 185 | 5.4 | 30 |
| New South Wales | Goulburn, Marulan | Goulburn Mulwaree | 141 | 1,453 | – | 1.1 | 44 |
| Queensland | Toowoomba City | Toowoomba | 140 | 1,683 | 144.5 | 8.3 | 14.7 |
| Victoria | Warrnambool, Hamilton, Port Fairy, Heywood | Wannon Water | 140 | 1,173 | 98 | 12.6 | 6.7 |
| Queensland | Logan City | Logan | 134 | 1,642 | 254 | 3.5 | 6.1 |
| Victoria | Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Orbost, Mallacoota | East Gippsland Water | 131 | 1,330 | 91.2 | 14.2 | 3.1 |
| New South Wales | Kempsey Shire | Kempsey | 130 | 2,346 | – | 16.6 | 35 |
| New South Wales | Lismore City | Lismore | 116 | 1,922 | 121 | 11.7 | 20 |
| Queensland | Warwick, Stanthorpe | Southern Downs | 111 | 1,805 | 86.4 | 15.8 | 17.8 |
| Victoria | Leongatha, Korumburra, Foster, Wonthaggi | South Gippsland Water | 111 | 1,249 | 85.7 | 25.9 | 11.3 |
| Victoria | Phillip Island, Bass Coast | Westernport Water | 91 | 1,321 | 139 | 15.5 | 3.5 |
Methodology
The All Kind Gas & Plumbing team has analysed the reliability of water systems based on the annual bill, water supply, unplanned water interruptions, as well as main water and sewer breaks per 100 km.
The whole research is based on data gathered from the Urban National Performance Report.
Each city was ranked based on the aforementioned indices and received a final score to identify which city cluster has the most reliable and client-oriented water supply and prices.
For a more complete comparison, the team also calculated national and state averages of each index to show the difference in performance based on a specific data criterion.
