Southeast Qld water bills set to rise

Southeast Queensland water bills are set to rise by an average of 1.2 per cent a year from July - even before the state government announces the latest bulk water fees.

Water distributor Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU) announced the new prices on Thursday, saying it had to balance the need to keep prices low against the need to invest in the network.

"In 2015-16, we will invest $229 million in sewerage and water assets to cater for the region's rapid growth," spokeswoman Michelle Cull said.

The increase does not include the bulk water charge, which is recommended by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA).

"I'm considering the bulk water price increases in southeast Queensland," water and energy supply minister Mark Bailey said on Friday.

"There will be an announcement about that in the near future."

The QCA's recommended changes for 2015-16 vary across council areas in the southeast - six regions will enjoy a decrease but the price will be upped in five council areas.

Somerset will receive the biggest cut (10.3 per cent) while residents of Redlands will be hit by the largest increase (10.2 per cent).

Brisbane consumers would be hit with a 4.4 per cent increase under the recommended changes.

That would equate to an extra $26.15 per year for the average household consuming 150 kilolitres of water, according to QUU.

"We have kept the price increase to a minimum by achieving operational savings of $47 million over three years," QUU said in a statement.