Inverell Shire Council was provided an update on the Active Leak Detection Project, a NSW Government-funded initiative aimed at reducing water loss across local water utility distribution networks.
Council secured $100,000 under the NSW Government’s $35.3 million Water Efficiency and Regional Leakage Reduction Program to conduct leak detection across 343km of the Copeton and Ashford water schemes, covering Inverell, Gilgai, Tingha, Delungra, Mount Russell, and Ashford.
A survey conducted by contractor Aqua Analytics identified 52 leaks, resulting in an estimated 66.7 megalitres (ML) of water loss per year, approximately 2 per cent of Council’s annual water allocation for the two schemes combined. This is well below the median figure for NSW regional water networks, demonstrating that Inverell Shire’s water distribution system operates efficiently.
Council’s Water Services division has already repaired approximately half of the detected leaks, prioritising those causing the greatest water loss. Property owners with potential leaks on the customer side of their water meters have been notified to engage a licensed plumber to investigate and repair the issue.
Mayor Kate Dight said the project reflects Council’s commitment to sustainable water management.
“This program not only helps conserve precious water resources, but it also ensures our water networks are operating efficiently for the community.”
Council will continue repairing the remaining leaks on a priority basis.
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