Augmentation
Augmentation occurs when our network capacity needs to be increased to support current and future growth needs.
Augmentation charges are in addition to other fees and charges and are payable in addition to costs normally associated with land development. They recoup costs in relation to the incremental impact from development on our infrastructure upstream (for water) and downstream (for wastewater), including impacts on significant trunk mains and water/wastewater treatment.
The Augmentation charges for 2025-26 have been approved by the South Australian Government and represent contributions towards the cost of critical growth infrastructure and augmentation of SA Water’s network to meet capacity requirements. All persons who receive development approval between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026 for an additional allotment, new connection or a variation to an existing connection with multiple new premises that connect to SA Water’s water and/or sewerage infrastructure in the Greater Adelaide Region will be charged an augmentation charge in respect of each connection or new allotment. Augmentation charges will still be imposed in addition to any requirement to fund the augmentation of SA Water’s infrastructure to service a greenfield or infill development and avoid impacting services to SA Water’s customers.
An augmentation charge is not payable in relation to:
- a like-for-like replacement of an existing connection; or
- a connection to premises being built by or on behalf of a community housing provider (https://nrsch.gov.au), or a not-for-profit entity that is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (Not-for-profit | ACNC)
or
- an apartment.
For allotments that can be serviced outside the Greater Adelaide Region, all fees and charges as per our Connections Policy may be applicable.
- For Greenfield and Infill residential developments negotiated through a Developer Agreement Formal Instrument (DAFI), an invoice will be issued to the developer at the time of executing a DAFI.
- For Greenfield residential developments or existing allotment/s requiring new or upsized connections where a DAFI doesn’t apply, the augmentation charges will be included in the connections invoice which incorporates all costs associated with servicing the development.
- For residential infill developments or existing allotment/s requiring new or upsized connections, where a DAFI doesn’t apply, the augmentation charges will be included in the connections invoice, which incorporates all costs associated with servicing the development or existing allotment/s.
- For Greenfield and Infill commercial/industrial developments negotiated through a Developer Agreement Formal Instrument (DAFI), an invoice will be issued to the developer at the time of executing a DAFI.
- For Greenfield commercial/industrial developments or existing allotment/s requiring new or upsized connections where a DAFI doesn’t apply, the augmentation charges will be included in the connections invoice which incorporates all costs associated with servicing the development.
- For commercial/industrial infill developments or existing allotment/s requiring new or upsized connections, where a DAFI doesn’t apply, the augmentation charges will be included in the connections invoice, which incorporates all costs associated with servicing the development or existing allotment/s.
- The augmentation charges are required to be paid before SA Water’s clearance of titles or construction of any new/upgraded connections.
- Developers are able to defer payment of the augmentation charge. When an augmentation charge is deferred, the augmentation charge applicable will be that of the financial year in which the payment is made.
- Where payment is deferred, SA Water will register a caveat on the title, which will be withdrawn upon payment in full.
- Withdrawal of the caveat and payment occurs at the same time as settlement.