Repairing the water network

South Australia has significant challenges in terms of its soil, topography and weather – it’s an unavoidable part of life in our growing city and state. Far more than other urban areas in Australia, Adelaide’s reactive soils combine with arid climates to dry out and wet far deeper.

This means the most common reason water mains break or leak is reactive clay soils moving as we change from hot and dry to wet and cool seasons.

Sudden changes in water pressure, damage during excavation and roadworks, and corrosion are also reasons for mains breaking or leaking. In fact, unintended damage by a third-party working near water mains accounts for more than five per cent of water main incidents across metropolitan Adelaide.

Ageing of all infrastructure is inevitable, however some people are surprised to learn that a pipe’s age is not always an indication of its quality. Both younger and older pipes have potential to break. In fact, we do not prioritise replacing water mains based on the pipe’s age alone.

We understand the impact water main breaks can have on the community and for commuters.

In Adelaide, our customers affected by breaks are supported by a dedicated Community Support team, and in regional areas, our local depot. We provide temporary supplies of drinking water, organise any clean-up required and make sure everyone is informed of progress of repairs.

This is in addition to our operational crews who repair water main leaks and breaks as safely and quickly as possible, working with our traffic management partners if needed.

Number of water main breaks and leaks each month

Figures cited may change due to end of month variations and alterations to reporting processes.

Water main leaks and breaks are not unique to South Australia.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) National Performance Report 2022-23: urban water utilities confirms the rate of water main leaks and breaks within our network is among the lowest in Australia, despite having one of the longest networks in the country.

This independent report shows our customers experienced 12.7 water main breaks per 100 kilometres of main in 2022-23, which is lower than the national average of 18.3 for comparable water utilities (utilities with 100,000 plus customers).

Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) National Performance Report 2022-23: urban water utilities – water main breaks per 100 kilometres of main for major water utilities

To prevent damaging or even breaking a water main – which could cause widespread water outages and disruption to the community – it’s essential to Before You Dig Australia.

This will ensure the area you plan to work in is clear of any underground pipes. Contact Before You Dig Australia for information about service locations.

Unintended damage by a third party working near water mains accounts for more than five per cent of water main incidents across metropolitan Adelaide.