Capturing Water Losses on the Gold Coast

Gold Coast, Queensland

Australian Government Funding: $3,150,000

About the project

This project has reduced water leakage and provided more water to the city through water savings of between 2.9 and 3.7 gigalitres per annum. This was achieved by establishing 60 separate metered areas in the Gold Coast's existing water supply reticulation system and installing pressure reducing valves in the pipes that reduced water leakage by approximately 5.75 - 7.35 per cent. This was the largest and most comprehensive pressure reduction program to be undertaken by an Australian water utility. The project was a partnership between the Australian and Queensland Governments and Gold Coast City Council.

Project benefits

The Gold Coast is the sixth largest city in Australia and has a rapidly growing population. It is also a major tourist destination. This project has reduced losses from leaking pipes across the Gold Coast, saving water for people living in and visiting the Gold Coast and reducing the demand on current water supplies. The installation of pressure reduction valves has also reduced breaks in water mains.

The project clearly demonstrates the benefits of pressure reduction management as a method of improving the efficiency of water distribution and saving on maintenance costs. The project advances the National Water Initiative objectives of increasing water use efficiency and innovation in urban areas.

Progress

This project is now complete, however there is some ongoing work on pressure reduction in areas of higher elevation and in relation to fire control equipment in high rise buildings. Further water savings are projected to be achieved from this ongoing work as detailed in an independent report on the project: