Canberrans should pay more for water, economic expert says

An economics expert says water restrictions are not working and consumers should face the prospect of paying more for their water. The Australian National University's (ANU) Quentin Grafton has suggested a new structure of charges based on supply and demand. He says as dam levels recede, the price of water should increase. "Why not get people to pay a higher price for their water, rather than build water tanks and address the issues associated with high water prices for the low income households in creative and innovative ways," he said. But Professor Grafton also says changes to water pricing is only part of the only solution. "There is a potential for Canberra to be able to purchase water for example from irrigators and then use it for water in Canberra," he said.

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