So it should come as no surprise to central and northern Victorians that the authority now wants to fast-track future price increases so as to gather in the cash required to fund what it needs.

There would appear to be few other options available to Coliban, and while politicians may choose to bicker over whether or not there’s political mileage in pursuing claims and counterclaims, the fact is our water is too cheap.

Bendigo residents can turn on their household tap and pay the miserly sum of about $1.35 for 1000 litres of precious life-giving water.

Alternatively, we can walk into a shop and pay about $3 for a 600ml bottle of water.

It needs to be stressed that the increase Coliban wants to impose upon us has already been approved.

Coliban Water just wants to bring forward the introduction of the new and higher prices so as to incur a windfall it desperately needs.

Another option the cash-strapped water authority could consider is the way it charges for water supplied to those communities on less stringent restrictions.

It seems odd that a household in Echuca could pay less to water the lawn than a household in Bendigo pays for its drinking water.

While this latest sought-after price increase will inevitably provoke debate, there’s one glaring reality to consider - none of us like price increases. But, the reality is, this is one we need to have.

What do you think? Write a letter to the editor, or e-mail editor@bendigoadvertiser.co m.au