Water Consumers Research Project Part 1 & 2

The first phase of research, completed in 2017, investigated the water and sewerage related issues of people who live with disability in South Australia.

The second phase of the research, completed in 2019, took this research further, leading a State-wide project to research and document the particular conditions for people living with disability which necessitate the high use of water in South Australia.

Download a pdf of the 2nd phase of the research here.  This pdf has been tagged to be accessible for people who use a screen reader.

Download a pdf of the first phase of the research here.

If you have any issues accessing these publications, please contact us at admin@purpleorange.org.au or (08) 8373 8333

The below video explains the findings from the first phase of research in 2017. 

Part 1

In 2017 JFA Purple Orange interviewed and surveyed 129 individuals living in South Australia who live with disability or are family members of someone living with disability about any issues they had with their water and sewerage services.

The research found that there were a range of issues that were specific to people living with disability. Some key findings included that information, such as water bills, wasn't always accessible. The research also found that people who live with disability tended to consume extra water due to additional needs. The cost structure of water bills meant that these people were being penalised for water they had to consume. Another key finding was that people who live with disability often experienced financial hardship and struggled to pay their water bill. Water companies have hardship policies in place to help consumers who are unable to pay their bill, but often people were unaware of this assistance.  JFA Purple Orange included a list of key recommendations to ensure that water and sewerage services are more supportive and accessible to people living with disability.

Download the full report here.

Part 2

In 2019 JFA Purple Orange took this research futher, leading a State-wide project to research and document the particular conditions for people living with disability which necessitate the high use of water in South Australia. People provided a glimpse into their particular circumstances through one to one semi structured interviews. They provided insight into the disability they (or their family member live with), what they use the most water on, how their high use of water impacts on their lives, how they go about managing their water needs and identified what would be most helpful to them in assisting with high water needs.

It was clear from the narratives that using lots of water has a psychological impact on people. Over two thirds of the participants spoke about showers and personal health care as their main use of water and documented why this was important to them. Those participants living with neuro muscular conditions spoke about how access to long warm/hot showers was absolutely necessary to warm up the muscles to function for the day. Without it these participants’ bodies simply do not work. Participants also talked about how high water use impacts upon their lives, either financially or otherwise. Participants spoke about being unable to participate in the community because water costs are too high, or of not being able to afford other items because paying for water was a priority. Others spoke about the anxiety over whether they would be able to pay their bill and the consequences of water being disconnected.

A key message to emerge throughout the consultation is that people living with disability should always be involved in any decision making that affects their lives. This includes the development, implementation and monitoring of programs and services. A number of people living with disability noted that they are often consulted by governments, but do not always see their ideas being put into action. Participants urged the state government to lead the way in implementing measures that could significantly assist people living with disability who have high water needs. One measure would be a single priority needs register for all essential services for people who will be significantly impacted by disconnection. Others identified the importance of easily accessible and understandable water rebates or concessions which are not only based on narrow medical conditions but would cover the particular conditions of people in this report. Others recommended wider use of assistive technology and modifications which would be funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme. JFA Purple Orange also notes the final report of the SA inquiry into water prices released in July 2019 and the urgent need to cut inflated household water bills for people living with high water needs.

Download the full report here. This pdf has been fully tagged to be read by a screen reader.