> Tenancies  > Residential tenancies  > Tenant obligations  > Water charges - overcharged invoices

SA Water has overcharged property owners for water usage. Where the property is occupied by a tenant under a residential tenancy agreement and the agreement includes that the tenant is to pay for all or any part of water usage, the amount overcharged may have been passed onto the tenant.

How do I know if I have been overcharged for water usage?
Check the invoice the landlord would have received from SA Water. If this invoice shows a charge for water usage for ‘1st half year' and a ‘date of invoice' after 1 July 2008 then it is likely you have been overcharged. You should also check the rate you have been charged, 71 cents per kilolitre (kl) for usage up to 120 kl is the new rate.

How do I calculate the amount I've been overcharged?
To calculate the amount you have been overcharged, you need to check the amount of kl used shown on page 2 of the SA Water invoice. Multiply the first 125 kl used by the old rate of 50 cents per kl and all usage above 125 kl by the old rate of $1.16 per kl.

Old water use prices 2007-2008		New water use prices 2008-2009
Tier 1 (0-125kL)	$0.50	Tier 1 (0-120kL)	$0.71
Tier 2 (>125kL)	$1.16	Tier 2 (120- 520kL)	$1.38
No Tier 3	-	Tier 3 (>520kL)	$1.65

How can I get the overcharged amount I paid to my landlord/agent refunded to me?
If you believe you have been overcharged, speak to your landlord/agent and come to an arrangement for reimbursement of the amount you overpaid. If you cannot agree on the amount of the reimbursement contact the Advice Section of the Tenancies Branch on 8204 9544 for assistance.

NB A tenant is entitled to see a copy of the invoice the landlord receives from SA Water. Where the landlord does not provide this invoice, contact the Advice Section of the Tenancies Branch on 8204 9544.

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