Funding the desalination plant will see inceases in water charges by at least $200 a year. A choice which the New South Wales Government says it has not.

The price will rise by $95 a year for the average household from July 1 and are expected to reach of $203 increase by 2012.

Interestingly enough, only half of the money will go to the desalination plant under construction at Kurnell, whilst the rest will be used to pay for water recycling schemes in western Sydney.

These increased charges are necessary to pay for the infrastructure, says Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal head Michael Keating . However, Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell says the Government could spare households from the price rise by scrapping the plant altogether.

Have youy say:

Do you think this sudden surge in price for water is justified?