Council tackles water loss with Regional Leakage Reduction Program

Published on 14 November 2024

Water Meter in ground leaking

Wingecarbee Shire Council is taking a proactive approach to water conservation by participating in the NSW Department of Planning and Environment's Regional Leakage Reduction Program. This program provides valuable support and resources to help the council identify, target, and repair leaks within its vast water network.  

An estimated 11% of water supplied to the Wingecarribee Shire water network is lost. While this figure aligns with industry standards, Council is committed to sustainable water management and is actively working to reduce this loss.  

Following an audit by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE), the council identified 156 leaks on public assets and 100 leaks within private property boundaries. Council is actively repairing public asset leaks by prioritising them based on their severity. Field crews utilize GIS mapping to locate leaks and track repair progress, which is reported monthly to the DPE. Leaks on private property are the responsibility of the individual landowners. 

Council encourages residents to play a vital role in water conservation by reporting any suspected leaks. By calling (02) 4868 0888, residents can help the council identify and address leaks quickly. 

Council's water network, spanning over 718 kilometers of water mains with thousands of fire hydrants, valves, and connections, plays a crucial role in delivering water to homes and businesses. Reducing water loss not only ensures efficient water use but also protects this precious resource for future generations.