WA Water Concession for Pensioners
How WA Water Concessions Work
Water concessions in Western Australia cover two separate things: fixed service charges (water supply, sewerage, drainage) and metered water usage. Each has its own rebate structure and caps.
When you register through the Water Corporation's Common Registration Service, one application covers both your water concessions and your council rates concession. The Water Corporation handles the intake for the entire state.
Service Charge Caps for 2026-27
Fixed water service charges receive a percentage rebate with sub-caps on each component:
Pensioner Concession Card / State Concession Card / WASC+CSHC:
- 50% off water supply — sub-capped at $108.86
- 50% off sewerage — sub-capped at $436.15
- 50% off drainage — sub-capped at $54.99
- Total cap across all three: $600
WA Seniors Card only:
- 25% off water service charges — total cap of $100
Most metro Perth households will hit the individual sub-caps rather than the overall $600 ceiling. If your sewerage charge is $800, the 50% rebate would be $400, which is under the $436.15 sub-cap — so you receive the full $400.
Water Usage Rebates by Region
On top of the fixed-charge concession, Pensioner Concession Card and State Concession Card holders receive 50% off metered water consumption up to a volume threshold. WA Seniors Card + CSHC holders do not receive a water-usage rebate:
| Region | Volume allowance | Maximum dollar rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Perth | First 150kL | $158.10 |
| South Country | First 400kL | Up to $680.48 |
| North Country | First 600kL | Up to $891.28 |
The higher allowances in regional and northern areas reflect greater water usage in hotter climates. The exact dollar value depends on your town's classification (Classes 1 through 5).
WA Seniors Card holders without a CSHC do not receive any water usage rebate — only the fixed-charge concession.
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How to Register
Online: watercorporation.com.au/concessions — real-time card verification via Centrelink/DVA databases.
Phone: 1300 659 951
You need your concession card number, Water Corporation account number, and property address. Unlike council rates (which require 1 July ownership), water concessions apply from the date you register regardless of when you moved in.
Tenants and Water Concessions
Renters holding a Pensioner Concession Card or State Concession Card can receive a rebate on water usage charges only — not on fixed service charges. The tenant must have formal "tenant billing" established with the Water Corporation so the usage bill comes directly in their name.
Tenants cannot access rates concessions or rate deferral.
The Common Registration Advantage
The Water Corporation's single-portal approach means one application updates both your water account and your local council's records. Many people do not realise this — they register with the Water Corporation for their water bills and then separately contact their council, not knowing the electronic transfer has already happened.
Allow 5 to 10 business days for your council to reflect the concession. If it has not appeared after two weeks, contact your council directly with your Water Corporation registration confirmation.
For a full breakdown of how water concessions interact with council rates caps and deferral, our WA Rates Concessions Guide covers every scenario with worked calculations.
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