Water Pressure

Council aims to provide a minimum pressure of 220 kPA in Council’s water mains. This pressure is at the point of connection to each property that is serviced by the Council’s water supply network.

Water pressure in the Council’s water supply network can vary between 220 kPA to around 500 kPA. We try to keep water pressure below 500 kPA in order to:

  • reduce leakage from pipe joints, valves, hydrants and fittings, thus reducing water loss and costs
  • reduce burst pipes which lowers repair costs and water loss
  • reduce damage to private plumbing.

Managing a Water Pressure Issue

The Australian Standards AS/NZS 3500 states that provisions must be made so that the maximum operating pressure within a building, other than a fire service outlet, does not exceed 500kPa. As a result buildings constructed or renovated since 2003 may have a pressure reduction valve fitted.

Sometimes you may experience water pressure issues due to:

  • problems with your property’s plumbing (like a blocked pipe, concealed leak or faulty pressure reduction valve)
  • new water appliances being installed on your property
  • a burst pipe or leaking water main
  • short periods of extreme water demand
  • fire-fighting activity in your area
  • Council’s maintenance activities (like hydrant flushing or flow testing)
  • natural pressure variations due to your location (e.g. being very high on a hill).

  • Do a simple bucket test to see if you have low pressure:
    • Find the tap nearest to your water meter (this is usually the front outdoor tap).
    • Turn the tap on full and record the time it takes to fill a 9-litre bucket.
    • If this takes a lot longer than 30 seconds, you may have low water pressure.
  • Check with your neighbours to see if they are also experiencing low water pressure. If they don’t have low pressure, this may indicate a problem with your private plumbing.
  • Check the Council’s Water Service Interruption page to see if there are any unplanned or planned water interruptions in your area. We may be undertaking maintenance works in your area which could lower the water pressure.
  • If you can’t see a water interruption in your area, check the water pressure at all your cold water taps, inside and outside. If the low pressure is only at particular taps, then you have an internal plumbing issue.
  • Check your stop tap or valves on your water meter and make sure they are fully open. These valves control the flow of water into your property.
  • Check for internal leaks on your property. See below “if you have a water leak” section for further information.
  • Check the time and frequency of low-pressure occurrences. Pressure can be impacted by demand and most people use more water in the mornings and evenings before and after work.
  • Check your internal plumbing infrastructure. The main cause of low pressure in houses built after 2006 is a blockage or restriction in a pressure reduction valve. These are normally installed on your side of the water meter and are put in place to protect your internal plumbing from pressure variations in water supplied to your property. Sometimes these fail and need replacing or adjusting. A licensed plumber will be needed to repair or adjust a pressure reduction valve.

If you have tried all of the above and cannot work out why your water pressure is low, please call us on 1300 308 461.

There may be a number of reasons why you may experience high water pressure:

  • You may be located in an area that naturally receives a higher water pressure (e.g. at the bottom of a hill where a water storage reservoir is located).
  • You may not have a pressure reduction valve installed on the side of the water meter to maintain the water pressure to your property to below 500 kPA.

If you are concerned about your pressure being too high, we recommend engaging a plumber to fit a pressure reduction valve on your side of the water meter.

Fact Sheet: How to check for leaks on your property

Water Leaks at the Meter

If you notice water filling the meter box or soggy ground surrounding the meter, you could have a leak at or around the meter.

  • If the ground is soggy around your meter and the meter is NOT ticking over (recording water usage), the leak is likely in our infrastructure. Call us on 1300 308 461 to report the leak.
  • If the ground is soggy around the meter and the meter is ticking (while appliances in the house are not on), you will need to check the meter tail on your side of the water meter to see if there is any water leaking from the meter tail. If there is, then call us on 1300 308 461. If there is water leaking from a fitting (also known as a connector or coupling) attached to the meter tail, then you will need to call a licensed plumber to investigate.

Are you eligible for an Adjustment of Water Consumption?

If you have an internal leak, you could be eligible for a rebate.

Council will only consider a request for reduction of a water consumption charge due to a water leak where:

  • the leak was a concealed leak; and
  • the resident took all reasonable steps to ensure that the leak was repaired within thirty (30) calendar days; and
  • the leak was repaired by a licensed plumber.

Council will not consider a rebate in the following circumstances:

  • leaks and/or bursts on internal appliances, fixtures orfittings including air conditioners, dishwashers, swimming pools, hot water systems, toilet cisterns, valves, internal or externaltaps
  • situations where the leak is visible
  • leaks not repaired by a licensed plumber
  • plumbing that is not compliant with government regulations
  • vacant land

For more information, read the Water Leak Management Policy and Apply for an Adjustment of Water Consumption if you meet the criteria.