Is Your Water Bill Sky-High? A Bunbury Guide to Claiming the Aqwest Leak Allowance 2025-26
- Clinton Wilkinson
- Oct 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 13
The shock of an unusually high water bill is a frustrating experience. Often, the culprit isn't increased usage, but a hidden leak in your underground reticulation system, silently wasting thousands of litres and driving up your costs.
Fortunately, if you are an Aqwest customer affected by such a leak, you may be eligible for the Aqwest Leak Allowance. This is not a rebate, but a crucial account credit designed to offset the cost of that wasted water, provided the issue is repaired correctly and promptly.
As a Waterwise Garden Irrigator (WGI) for the Bunbury area, Retic Smart can assist in identifying and repairing these hidden leaks, ensuring you meet all the necessary requirements to successfully claim your allowance.
Understanding the Eligibility Criteria and Key Changes for the Aqwest Leak Allowance
For your high water consumption to be considered for the Aqwest Leak Allowance, the leak must meet several strict criteria:
It Must Be a Hidden Leak: The allowance applies only to a genuine hidden leak. Applications will not be considered if the leak occurred on internal or external taps, internal appliances, fixtures, or fittings, including dishwashers, hot water systems, toilet cisterns, and valves. Leaks in pools, spas, ponds, or water features are also excluded.
Repairs Must Be Professional: The leak must be repaired within a month from the identification of the leak. The work must be completed by a licensed plumber or a Waterwise Garden Irrigator (WGI).
System Compliance is Key: This is a crucial requirement for reticulation systems. For garden reticulation system leaks to be eligible, the system must, at a minimum, have a manual isolation valve and master solenoid installed. If your system lacks these essential components, we can install them as part of the repair process to safeguard your eligibility and prevent future major wastage.
Property Status: Applications will not be considered if the leak is on vacant land or a property under construction.
Your Three-Step Path to Claiming the Credit
When dealing with a hidden leak, urgency and accuracy are paramount. Here is the process for Bunbury residents:
Detection and Repair: Contact us immediately if you suspect a leak. We will attend your property to perform the necessary leak detection and carry out the underground repair, ensuring compliance with all WGI standards.
Documentation Preparation: Once the work is complete, we provide you with a detailed invoice that includes a description of the work completed, to confirm it meets the allowance criteria. We will also confirm that your system meets the minimum standards (the reticulation system must have a manual isolation valve and a master solenoid installed).
Owner Submission: The owner of the property is now responsible for submitting the Leak Allowance application to Aqwest. You must submit the completed application form along with our invoice within three (3) months of the leak’s identification or receiving a high consumption letter.
Don't let a hidden leak damage your garden and your finances. If you have a high water bill and suspect your reticulation is the cause, contact Retic Smart today. We'll fix the leak and give you the assurance you need to reclaim your credit.
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