Thank you to the ACWA members who completed the survey at the end of last year. Your input has provided ACWA with information regarding unfair classifications for inflated trade waste charges, despite little evidence to support same by some water authorities.
The survey received 68 responses from ACWA members – click here
- The most significant finding is that a large majority of respondents are highly concerned about trade‑waste charges
- 54% ‘Very Concerned’ and 38% ‘Moderately Concerned’.
- 98% support ACWA undertaking independent sampling to build evidence for a lower‑risk classification for compliant car washes.
A significant proportion (19.6%) reported their authority applied higher charges once a usage or risk threshold was reached.
Comments most frequently referenced Regional Water Corporations, suggesting increased charges may be more prevalent in regional jurisdictions.
These findings highlight strong industry concern and a clear mandate for collective national action.
ACWA will work closely with members on addressing these classifications and inflated charges with the aim of working with authorities to build a transparent, fair and consistent approach moving forward.
