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SA Water will take over Coober Pedy's water network to reduce water bills, which are currently three times the state average. The transition is expected to occur before the end of the year, but infrastructure repairs will take longer.

Coober Pedy residents pay $9 per kilolitre compared to $2.36 for SA Water customers. The aging pipes will be replaced as part of the transfer. The local council, previously in administration due to financial issues, lacks the resources for necessary investments in the water system. Existing customers will not face additional connection fees, and the council is likely to exit administration by year-end.