North East Water says residents are reaping the benefit of being water wise, with their average usage tipped to remain at about 200 kilolitres over the next 12 months.

That figure is down on the average usage of close to 300 kilolitres up to five years ago.

North East Water says it has adopted a policy of allowing its customers to control their bill, by freezing the waste-water charge, while increasing the water service charge and the rate per kilolitre.

The utility said the approach is one that hasn’t been taken up by other water authorities across Victoria.

By comparison, the average household in Warrnambool will see its water bill rise by $120 for an annual payout of $1054.

Increased rainfall and a milder summer in 2010-11 will have made a contribution to reducing the amount of water used by many North East households.

But the Essential Services Commission report findings are indicative of the water-saving message getting through to those who are increasingly careful about their household expenditure.