The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Cadell Construction Joint Water Supply Scheme Inc (Cadell) after the irrigation infrastructure operator admitted to breaching the Water Charge Rules. Cadell provides water delivery services to approximately 35 customers in Southern New South Wales.

In November 2023, Cadell notified its customers of a significant increase in fixed charges for access to its infrastructure, more than doubling the previous rates. The company attempted to backdate this increase to July 1, 2023, by issuing invoices based on the new rates, which led to an investigation by the ACCC.

Upon investigation, the ACCC found that Cadell had violated the Water Charge Rules by imposing charges that were not authorized. ACCC Commissioner Mick Keogh emphasized that operators must properly inform customers of any changes to charging arrangements and cannot apply new charges retroactively.

Cadell has cooperated with the ACCC throughout the investigation, admitting its breach and committing to a court-enforceable undertaking to prevent similar conduct in the future. The ACCC has issued guidance to help infrastructure operators understand their obligations under the Water Charge Rules, which aim to enhance pricing transparency and promote efficient water resource use in the Murray-Darling Basin.