As at June 2017 there were 25 water supplies on boil water alerts or permanent boil water alerts but 10 have since been lifted.

The latest review revealed that a typical household water bill is $1,104, prices had increased by 3.6 per cent and the average consumption is 179 kilolitres.

The Economic Regulator Joe Dimasi, said the total number of complaints to TasWater fell by 14 per cent to 2 500.

However, the number of complaints relating to water quality increased by 23 per cent, representing 54 per cent of all complaints.

“The challenges associated with achieving TasWater’s objective of lifting all boil water alerts and public health alerts by August 2018 were demonstrated during the year, with four water supplies moved to permanent boil water alerts,” he said.

“As at 30 June 2017, there were 25 water supplies affected by long term boil water alerts or public health (do not consume) alerts.

“However, TasWater had lifted 10 alerts by early 2017-18.”

Mr Dimasi highlighted the poor performance of Tasmania’s sewage treatment plants but said he was hopeful of improvements.

“Performance of most of the State’s sewage treatment plants (STPs) continues to be below expectations with 42 STPs failing to achieve at least 90 per cent compliance with discharge limits,” he said.

Mr Dimasi said TasWater had invested significantly to improve its compliance outcomes during 2016-17.

“However, it continues to face a range of challenges that means it must balance competing priorities to deliver efficient outcomes,” he said.

“Rising operating costs and investment in new infrastructure underlie growing water bills for customers, although Tasmanians are paying around $150 less per annum for water and sewerage than their mainland counterparts.”

The review also showed that 4617 TasWater customers were repaying debts with the average amount $1150.

TasWater CEO Mike Brewster said the review showed 99.4 per cent of its more than 200,000 customers received water which met national guidelines.

“Already 10 communities across the state have had their Boil Water or Do Not Consume health alerts lifted in the last 12 months,” Mr Brewster said.

“TasWater does not shy away from our challenges.

“We know there remains a lot of work to do but we are making strong progress and have a fully funded, sustainable and achievable plan set down for the future.”

Mr Brewster said TasWater customers would soon have access to monthly water quality data specific to their area.