Information for tenants
We’re here to help you understand water services and charges as a tenant. This page explains how water services work, including how water is billed, what you may be responsible for, and where to get help if you need it.
Water services at your rental property
Unlike other utilities, water is always connected to properties in South Australia. You don’t need to contact us to have water connected or disconnected when you move in or out, and we don’t take meter readings at the start or end of a tenancy.
Water billing periods don’t always line up with tenancy agreements. Because of this, the water meter reading should be recorded on the property inspection report at the start and end of your tenancy. These readings are used to work out how much water was used while you lived at the property.
Who receives the water bill
Tenants don’t have their own SA Water account. We send the water bill to the property owner (landlord) or their managing agent.
If your lease agreement says you are responsible for paying some or all water charges, your landlord or managing agent will let you know what you need to pay. They should include a copy of the SA Water bill showing the water usage for your tenancy period.
What tenants may be charged for
What you pay depends on what’s written in your lease agreement.
- Water usage charges (based on how much water is used) may be passed on to tenants, either in full or in part.
- Supply charges may also be passed on if this is agreed in the lease.
- Sewerage charges are always the responsibility of the landlord.
If there is no agreement in place, water charges based on consumption are generally paid by the tenant. Charges that are not based on water use remain the landlord’s responsibility.
SA Water can not provide advice on individual lease agreements. For more guidance on tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities, including what tenants can be charged, what landlords must pay and the rules around water use and sewerage fees, visit sa.gov.au or contact Consumer and Business Services on 131 882.
How water use is measured
We aim to read your property’s water meter every three months. If we’re unable to safely access the meter, for example if it’s blocked, covered or hard to reach, we’ll leave a card at the property.
In these cases, the bill will be based on an estimated reading, calculated using:
- past water use at the property, or
- average use of similar homes (if there’s no history).
If the bill is estimated, you (or your landlord or agent) can submit an actual reading by taking a photo of the meter and using our Submit a meter reading form.
Getting information about your water use
If you’d like details of how much water has been used during your tenancy, we can provide a breakdown.
We’ll need proof that you’re a tenant, such as:
- a copy of your lease agreement, or
- a recent utility bill showing your name and address.
You can:
- submit an online enquiry using our Tenant enquiry form, or
- post it to GPO Box 1751, Adelaide SA 5001.
If you have a dispute about your bill, we can provide details of the water use recorded. You’ll then need to resolve the issue with your landlord or managing agent.
You can also estimate water use yourself using the 'Usage calculator' on the sa.gov.au website, which applies SA Water prices.
Extra support and information
If you see a problem with your meter or experience an issue such as no water, reduced pressure, or a blocked drain, you can report it online using our Faults and Outages map.
Use the map to check for current outages or report a fault at your property or another location.
For urgent matters such as sewage overflows, strong odours, flooding, or a loss of water service, please contact our Customer Care Centre on 1300 SA WATER (1300 729 283), available 24/7 for immediate assistance.
If you’re having trouble paying your bill, support is available:
- Tenants who have a low income or hold an eligible government concession card may be able to claim a water rate reduction. Visit DHS Concessions or call the Concessions Hotline on 1800 307 758 (TTY 8226 6789) for more information.
- Our Payment Assistance team can work with customers who are finding it hard to keep up with payments.
- Your landlord or managing agent can contact us on your behalf to discuss options like payment extensions or payment plans.
Learn more on our Help paying my bill page.
Small changes can make a big difference to how much water you use at home. Using water efficiently helps lower bills, reduce strain on the system, and support a sustainable water supply for everyone.
You can find practical advice for inside and outside the home, including:
- Spotting leaks early and fixing dripping taps or toilets.
- Choosing water-efficient fittings and appliances.
- Using less water when washing clothes, dishes, or showering.
- Watering gardens and lawns efficiently, especially during dry weather.
Explore more ways to save water and reduce costs on our Be Water Wise page.
If you notice a leak or plumbing problem, it’s important to tell your landlord or managing agent as soon as possible. By reporting issues early, you help prevent water waste, get repairs sorted quickly, and avoid being charged for any additional water use caused by the problem.
Tenants should tell their landlord or managing agent as soon as they notice issues such as:
- leaking taps
- running toilets
- other plumbing problems
For more advice on spotting leaks and preventing plumbing problems, see:
A shared meter is where more than one property is connected to a single meter. With shared water meters, water use is calculated based on an agreed water use percentage between each property as set by the property owners. If you have questions, reach out to your landlord or managing agent for help.
Need more help?
If your situation isn’t covered here, contact us using our Tenant enquiry form and we’ll make sure your message reaches the right team.