What’s happening?
A new national study by All Kind Gas & Plumbing has ranked Toowoomba among the ten worst cities in Australia for water supply reliability and value. The findings are based on an analysis of 73 water utilities across the country, using data from the Urban National Performance Report.
Despite delivering only 140 kilolitres (kL) per household annually, Toowoomba residents pay an average of $1,683 per year, well above the national average. This places the city behind high-performing regions like Mildura, which supplies 455 kL for $1,096 annually.
Why it matters
Water infrastructure plays a vital role in supporting everyday life, and Toowoomba’s current setup appears to be falling short. The city’s dual pricing structure—managed jointly by Toowoomba Regional Council and Seqwater, adds complexity without delivering improved outcomes. The result is lower water volumes at a higher cost, raising concerns about long-term sustainability and value for ratepayers.
“Unreliable plumbing disrupts daily life across Australia, leading to unexpected water damage, followed by high repair costs,” said 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 mean putting the team in rough conditions, long hours, and often under pressure to deliver quick solutions in often deteriorating or outdated systems.”
Local Impact
Toowoomba’s low supply volume and above-average pricing reflect a mismatch between cost and service. While some regional towns are improving their systems, Toowoomba remains hampered by aging infrastructure and split management.
Anderson added: “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.”
By the Numbers
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140 kL – Average annual residential water supply per Toowoomba property
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$1,683 – Average annual water bill for Toowoomba households
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70% less water than top performers like Mildura, which delivers 455 kL per year
Zoom In
Toowoomba shares similar challenges with other Queensland cities like Logan, where low supply, high costs, and aging systems are common. A key issue is the lack of a unified utility, which makes water delivery more expensive and less efficient for residents.
Zoom Out
Queensland has reliable water sources, but not all cities benefit equally. Toowoomba faces high costs and low water volumes, in part due to split responsibilities between councils and bulk suppliers like Seqwater. While some towns perform better, cities like Toowoomba need clearer management and long-term planning to improve value and reliability.
What to look for next
The study points to the need for better coordination between water providers and infrastructure investment to improve outcomes in Queensland. In cities like Toowoomba, where dual utility models are in place, clearer planning and modernisation could help deliver more water at better value over time.
