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Hawkesbury residents relying on septic and sullage pump-out systems say they have been left without answers as Council presses ahead with plans to sell the city’s wastewater assets to Sydney Water.
The proposed $171 million transfer—currently under discussion with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART)—would see Sydney Water take over the McGraths Hill and South Windsor sewage treatment plants, along with the broader sewer network.
But for the hundreds of households in rural and semi-rural pockets of the Hawkesbury such as Bowen Mountain and Kurrajong Heights who aren’t connected to the sewer and rely on fortnightly tank pump-outs, the future is far from clear.
Who will turn up on pump-out day?
Council documents and public statements have focused on treatment plant upgrades and network integration, but there has been no definitive word on whether Sydney Water would take over pump-out services, or whether residents would be forced to contract private operators directly.
“This isn’t just about flushing a toilet—it’s about public health, environmental protection and fair costs,” one Kurrajong Heights resident told the Gazette. “If the pump-out service disappears or costs blow out, we’re the ones stuck with the mess—literally.”
Currently, Hawkesbury City Council manages pump-out services under a regulated schedule. Many residents have questioned the necessity of fortnightly collections when tanks are not full, but they also recognise the value of a reliable, council-run service at a fixed price.
Risk of rising costs
If Sydney Water does not absorb the pump-out operation, residents may have to negotiate individually with private providers—opening the door to higher fees, reduced service frequency, and little recourse in the event of disputes.
Under one pricing model before IPART, costs could be spread across all Sydney Water customers, lowering bills for Hawkesbury households. But a “ring-fenced” model would keep pump-out and sewer charges within the Hawkesbury, likely increasing costs.
Call for clarity
Community leaders and local business groups are urging Council and Sydney Water to address the pump-out question before any deal is signed.
“This is about transparency,” said Hawkesbury Business Vice President Troy Myers. “You can’t tell people you’re changing how essential services are delivered and not spell out the impact on those who rely on them most.”
Have your say
IPART has closed formal submissions on the proposal, but residents can still contact Councillors and Sydney Water to demand assurances. The Gazette will continue to follow the story as negotiations progress.
