❓ Hon Anthony Spagnolo questions the Water Corporation regarding low water pressure issues in Chidlow, including complaints, solutions considered, and financial assistance for residents. The Water Corporation acknowledges the issue and outlines remedial actions and future plans.
AnsweredQoN 292Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) How many formal complaints regarding low water pressure in Chidlow have been received by the Water Corporation since 2018? (2) When did the Water Corporation first identify that the low water pressure in Chidlow was attributable to limitations in the trunk main servicing the area? (3) What remedial actions have been undertaken by the Water Corporation to address water pressure issues in Chidlow over this period? (4) What engineering or infrastructure options have been considered to address the systemic water pressure issues in Chidlow in response to ongoing resident complaints? (5) Has the Water Corporation considered a community-wide solution, such as the installation of a shared surge tank and pump system, to mitigate the impact of trunk main limitations? (6) For residents who accept an interim solution involving tanks and pumps, what conditions will be imposed on the installation and use of these systems, and will those conditions be removed once a long-term resolution is implemented? (7) What is the projected timeline for both the interim measures and the delivery of a long-term water pressure solution for Chidlow? (8) Will the Water Corporation provide financial assistance or rebates to residents for the ongoing operational costs associated with powering interim tank and pump systems?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
12 August 2025
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Water
Response time
6 days
(1) Nine since 1 July 2018.
(2) Water Corporation has been aware of fluctuating water pressure to some parts of Chidlow since 2011 however the pressure remained within Water Corporation’s Water Services Licence. In July 2024, Water Corporation identified an issue with water pressure dropping below the conditions in Water Corporation’s Water Services Licence.
(3) In 2016, Water Corporation upgraded several reticulation pipes within the town site to address low-pressure complaints and improve system performance. In 2025, Water Corporation, arranged for the installation of temporary individual tanks and booster pumps on two properties to improve their pressure.
(4) Options investigated include: booster pump station(s) at various locations; a service tank with inlet and outlet mains and transfer pump station; variable speed drives on existing pumps at Chidlow pump station; operational modifications to the system; and installation of a permanent tank and pressure booster for properties identified as not receiving the minimum pressure for their water service in line Water Corporation’s Water Services licence conditions.
(5) Yes, as per options identified in (4).
(6) Residents who accept the permanent offer will have Pressure Exemptions applied to their property. If the water supply to these properties’ changes in the future, and Water Corporation’s Water Services Licence terms can be met on an ongoing basis, this exemption will be removed.
(7) Timing of the installation of the permanent tank and pressure boosters on individual properties is dependent on customers accepting the offer and arranging the installation. The timing of a wider infrastructure solution would be subject to future investment decisions.
(8) Yes, for residents who accept the permanent offer.
(2) Water Corporation has been aware of fluctuating water pressure to some parts of Chidlow since 2011 however the pressure remained within Water Corporation’s Water Services Licence. In July 2024, Water Corporation identified an issue with water pressure dropping below the conditions in Water Corporation’s Water Services Licence.
(3) In 2016, Water Corporation upgraded several reticulation pipes within the town site to address low-pressure complaints and improve system performance. In 2025, Water Corporation, arranged for the installation of temporary individual tanks and booster pumps on two properties to improve their pressure.
(4) Options investigated include: booster pump station(s) at various locations; a service tank with inlet and outlet mains and transfer pump station; variable speed drives on existing pumps at Chidlow pump station; operational modifications to the system; and installation of a permanent tank and pressure booster for properties identified as not receiving the minimum pressure for their water service in line Water Corporation’s Water Services licence conditions.
(5) Yes, as per options identified in (4).
(6) Residents who accept the permanent offer will have Pressure Exemptions applied to their property. If the water supply to these properties’ changes in the future, and Water Corporation’s Water Services Licence terms can be met on an ongoing basis, this exemption will be removed.
(7) Timing of the installation of the permanent tank and pressure boosters on individual properties is dependent on customers accepting the offer and arranging the installation. The timing of a wider infrastructure solution would be subject to future investment decisions.
(8) Yes, for residents who accept the permanent offer.
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