Legislative Council Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2) 51 2 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Answers to Questions Answers to Questions Water Supply WATER SUPPLY The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD Legislative Council WATER SUPPLY In reply to the Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (2 May 2007). The Hon. G.E. GAGO Legislative Council Minister for Environment and Conservation Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Minister Assisting the Minister for Health WATER SUPPLY The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health): The Minister for Water Security has provided the following information: 1.	While your question implies an ability to distinguish those who are 'heavy water users' from those who are 'efficient water users' the Government is not convinced that this is as simple as it might be assumed. It is acknowledged that household size is a key driver of water use, however a family of five that uses far more water than a one person household may be more efficient in their water use. The Government's focus is to ensure that water prices as far as possible reflect the full cost of service provision and are consistent with efficient water use while encouraging sound water use practices through public education. 2.	The Government's tariff includes a fixed charge and a water use component under national water reform obligations. This structure of pricing has been adopted consistent with the nation's water pricing guidelines. In contrast, while water restrictions can have a behaviour change benefit, their purpose is to make targeted water savings in response to drought conditions.