Water Connections

Click through the topics below to learn more about your water:

New water connections 

If you buy or move into an existing property, your water supply for both drinking water and recycled water (if applicable) will already be connected. 

If you wish to relocate or alter an existing meter, or individually meter multiple tenancies that are currently serviced by a single meter, you will need to apply using a Water Service Application form(PDF, 167KB) .

Building a new house or developing a property

If you are building a house or granny flat, or developing a dual or multiple occupancy, you will need to apply for a new water connection using a Water Service Application Form(PDF, 167KB) . An installation plan showing the location of the connection must accompany the application as well as a hydraulic plan in some instances. 

For new subdivisions, water meters will be installed at the termination point left by developer, which is indicated by the blue marker block onsite. Any variations to this will incur charges additional to the standard water service connection charge, to be estimated based on the information provided in the application. 

Meters will be installed in accordance with our Water Metering Policy which provides that new meters in most cases: 

Will be installed approximately 500mm to 1000mm inside the property boundary 

Will not be installed below ground, in locked cabinets or behind high fences.

Selling your property

You do not need to get your water disconnected if you are selling your property. 

Your solicitor will arrange for a Section 603 Certificate from us.  This will allow for your water meter(s) to be read on a particular date and fees and charges will be calculated. 

After the property settles all charges after that date will be sent to the new owner.  

If your property is connected to recycled water you must arrange a pre-sale inspection. Your solicitor will note this requirement on your property’s Section 149 Certificate. 

Download the Dual Water Supply Certificate of Compliance Application(PDF, 114KB) . 

For more information visit our recycled water web page. 

Separate a single meter to different tenancies

For each tenancy to be separately metered, the existing meter would remain at the property boundary as the master meter, with each tenancy individually metered via subtract meters.

To apply, the Owners Corporation must submit a Water Service Application(PDF, 167KB) with a hydraulic plan that is prepared by a suitably qualified plumber or hydraulic consultant.

The following requirements apply:

  • All flow through the master meter must also be metered through subtract meters, such that the sum of flow through the master meter minus the sum of flow through the subtract meters is zero. 
  • The hydraulic plan must clearly confirm that there are no connections between the master meter and the subtract meters (for example an unmetered connection to an external hose tap). 
  • The hydraulic plan must show the current pipework configuration and any proposed alterations on the privately owned component of the properties’ water service to demonstrate that these alterations are able to be carried out. Please note: plumbing and drainage fees apply for internal plumbing works. 
  • Council's Smart Metering Devices must be installed on the master and all subtract meters. Learn more about smart metering below.

The Owners Corporation nominated plumber will be responsible for the supply and installation of the subtract meters. The subtract meters will need to be compatible with Council’s smart metering devices (i.e. Elster meter).

If the existing main meter servicing the property is older than 15 years it will be replaced by Council as part of our meter replacement program. If a larger water service is necessary, the plumber or hydraulic consultant will need to indicate on the hydraulic plan the required size and charges may apply. Please note that any meter service greater than 25mm will require a backflow prevention device to be fitted to the customer's side of the water meter. The customer will be responsible for the installation of the device and associated costs.

 

Standpipes

If you cannot get access to water through a normal connection, or via water filling stations, you can apply to draw water from Council mains via a non-fixed, metered standpipe. 

Standpipes:  

  • Can only be used for business purposes and applicants must provide an ABN/ACN.  
  • Are not to be used for agricultural purposes or as an alternative water supply. 
  • Require Council permission and require a fee.

You must apply to use a standpipe. Each application will be assessed on a merit-based approval process. 

Draw water from a Council hydrant with a Draw Water from a Council Hydrant with a Standpipe Application(PDF, 148KB) .  

Once you are approved it’s important to understand your responsibilities, read Council's Metered Standpipe Policy(PDF, 168KB) . 

Using a standpipe without approval

Using a standpipe without Council approval is illegal and is regarded as water theft. You could be fined up to $2,200. Illegal use includes using a standpipe when: 

  • the standpipe has no meter 
  • the meter isn’t working 
  • you don’t have a valid permit 
  • you don’t have a backflow prevention device 

Waterfilling stations

There are four overhead water filling stations in the Ballina Shire: 

  • Kays Lane, Russelton Industrial Estate Alstonville
  • 81-95 Southern Cross Drive, Ballina (in front of the Ballina Shire Council depot) 
  • 50 Bath Street, Wardell (in front of the Wardell Recreational Grounds) 
  • Ross Lane, Lennox Head 

These stations are controlled by Rous County Council. Anyone wanting to access these fill stations should contact Rous County Council on 02 6623 3800. 

Smart metering

Water meters across the shire are read manually on a quarterly basis. Council offers residents and businesses a smarter way to track their water usage in detail. 

What is smart metering?

Smart water meters attach to your water meter and record hourly water usage data. The devices use radio technology to store and send this data to a secure Ballina Shire Council database. 

Smart metering advantages
  • Smart meter devices can be used to: 
  • collect water usage data that is timely, accurate, reliable and secure 
  • help water users become aware of their consumption habits 
  • detect leaks rapidly (rather than waiting for quarterly readings) 
  • review consumption patterns and apply changes to save on water bills 
  • receive weekly water monitoring data via email. 
The cost 

This optional service is an additional charge on top of ratepayer’s annual water charge and usage costs. Council will install a smart meter on your existing water meter for a one-off charge of $178. 

After installation you can subscribe for $27 per year to access your water usage data, which will be emailed to your nominated address. Please note, the subscription payment is to be paid up front on an annual basis. These charges cover Council’s administrative costs and the cost of the device itself. 

All fees are based on the current financial year fees and charges (link to fees and charges page).  

What you'll get 

If you choose to install and subscribe to our smart metering service you will receive a detailed graph of hourly consumption or a graph of daily consumption. This data is emailed to your nominated address and the frequency of these emails is customisable. 

Our automated leak detection system has a pre-defined threshold that will allow users to be automatically notified when a potential leak is detected.

Business advantages and rebates 

For commercial businesses across the shire this new smart metering could help you: 

  • better understand your water usage habits
  • detect water leaks more effectively and rapidly 
  • review consumption patterns and apply changes to save on water bills 

Businesses may also be eligible for funding or rebates through Rous County Council’s Sustainable Water Partner Program. This Program assists businesses to improve water efficiencies and implement water saving plans. To find out more, contact Rous County Council on 02 6623 3800 or visit their website.  

Smart Metering Application Form 

How to pay 

If your smart metering application has been approved and you have received a reference number, you will need to pay for installation and subscription. Download these instructions to pay online using Ballina Shire Council's online portal. 

Want to find out more? Contact our Water Team on 1300 864 444. 

Back to top