Australian water supplier United Water has been ordered to pay $14 million in a breach of contract lawsuit.

According to Adelaide Treasurer Jack Snelling, the payment was made under the terms of a breach of contract lawsuit involving water prices between 2001 and 2006. Snelling told Parliament that a contract between United Water and SA Water, which allowed United to maintain the states water and wastewater system, led to a pricing dispute in 2009.

An independent panel of experts was established to determine the proper amount of compensation to be paid to SA Water. The $14 million award includes punitive damages, and a refund of overpayment, plus interest.

Snelling said the verdict of a second breach of contract lawsuit filed by SA Water against United Water should be delivered in September.

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