Drinking Water

Ballina Council provides around 3,000 Megalitres of drinking water to over 14,000 homes every year. 

Water is pumped from a dam or weir to a water treatment plant where the water is disinfected, impurities are removed and fluoride added. The water is then available for distribution to homes and businesses. 

The quality of drinking water must meet strict Australian guidelines before it is supplied to your property.

Download the drinking water guidelines Australian Drinking Water Guidelines | NHMRC

Where your water comes from 

Our drinking water comes from the Rocky Creek dam, Emigrant Creek dam and the Wilsons River. These water sources are located in several catchments in the Northern Rivers. 

A catchment is an area that feeds water to a creek, river or other water body. Catchments providing our water are: 

Rous County Council 

Rous County Council is the regional bulk water supply authority in the Northern Rivers and provides drinking water for most of the residents of the Ballina, Lismore, Byron and Richmond Valley shires from Rocky Creek Dam, Emigrant Creek Dam and the Wilsons River. 

Rous County Council provides water to local reservoirs in the Ballina Shire. Ballina Shire Council is responsible for distributing the water to homes and businesses.  The supply to these areas is wholly managed by Ballina Shire Council. 

For more information including dam levels or local water catchment information visit rous.nsw.gov.au 

Water restrictions and dam levels  

Water restrictions are required during times of dry weather and low rainfall. 

Rous County Council, the regional bulk water supply authority, notifies councils to implement water restrictions when the level of Rocky Creek dam drops to 60%. This is outlined in Rous County Council’s Drought Management Plan which aims to ensure continued water supply during drought conditions in order to meet water user, public health and firefighting needs. To read the management plan or view current dam levels visit rous.nsw.gov.au

The urban water cycle

The water cycle is the term given to the continuous movement of rain falling and flowing into our waterways and evaporating into the atmosphere. The urban water cycle is the way water is collected, used and managed.  

In managing the urban water cycle, Council aims to preserve our precious drinking water and minimise our impact on the environment. 

Most of the water we drink comes from Rocky Creek dam, Emigrant Creek dam and Marom Creek weir. During prolonged dry periods, Wilsons River and groundwater supplies are also available. Water is piped to treatment plants where impurities are removed and it is made safe for drinking and household use. Water used for flushing toilets and household water that goes down the drain is called wastewater.  

All wastewater is sent to sewerage treatment plants where it is treated and recycled. Recycled water is available to homes and businesses with dual reticulation. It is used to flush toilets, wash clothes, water gardens and wash cars and pathways. Recycled water can also be used to irrigate public facilities such as sporting fields. Some treated wastewater is released back into the environment. 

Water meters

A water meter is a device used to measure the volume of water usage in residential or commercial property. Water meters are typically installed at the point where the water supply enters a property, and they record the amount of water that flows through the system. This data is crucial for billing purposes.

For more information about water billing visit our Water Billing web page. 

Who is responsible for your property's water meter?  

Responsibilities of customers 

Ballina Shire Council is responsible for maintaining and fixing pipes and equipment on public land.  

Property owners are responsible for maintaining and fixing problems on their property. This includes sewer blockages, water leaks and plumbing problems such as leaky taps. Make sure you use a licensed plumber to do your plumbing work. 

Unsure if a problem is yours or Council’s? Please contact our Water and Wastewater Team on 1300 864 444.