Repairing the water network
When a water main leak or break is reported, we prioritise repairs based on the potential for a temporary supply interruption for our customers or damage to property or the environment.
While every job is important, we fix the biggest leaks or breaks first.
So our crews can safely repair a water main, they isolate the damaged section of pipe. This usually involves operating a series of valves to shut off water and in so doing temporarily interrupts supply to nearby properties. It’s important we shut off and recharge the main gradually, so no additional problems occur in the surrounding water network.
Sometimes when we're repairing or replacing our pipes, we need to let water out of a valve or hydrant further down the network. This helps relieve pressure on the area of water main we're working on and minimises the chance of a rupture occurring nearby. We try to limit the impacts of this work by only letting out as much water as needed.
Although pipes sometimes break unexpectedly, water supply is available at least 99.95 per cent of the time across our entire state-wide water network.
To find out where repairs or planned upgrades within our water main network are taking place across South Australia, visit our works and faults map.
If you see a fault in our network, please call our 24/7 fault report line on 1300 883 121 or report it online.
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
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |
January | 317 | 297 | 303 | 302 | 407 |
February | 277 | 231 | 296 | 306 | 450 |
March | 296 | 273 | 330 | 423 | 449 |
April | 313 | 302 | 321 | 391 | 441 |
May | 393 | 384 | 348 | 561 | 640 |
June | 420 | 456 | 340 | 449 | 610 |
July | 405 | 399 | 388 | 500 | 552 |
August | 386 | 301 | 267 | 354 | 452 |
September | 272 | 267 | 213 | 253 | 352 |
October | 253 | 258 | 263 | 263 | 325 |
November | 238 | 279 | 284 | 268 | |
December | 228 | 265 | 271 | 327 | |
Yearly total | 3798 | 3726 | 3728 | 4399 | 4678 |
Monthly average | 316 | 310 | 311 | 367 | 468 |
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 2023-24: 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 14.3 water main breaks per 100 kilometres of main in 2023-24, which is lower than the national average of 18.5 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
Major Australian water utility | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | % change from 2022-23 |
Logan City Council (QLD) | 3.7 | 3.5 | -29 |
Unity Water (QLD) | 3.9 | 3.9 | -17 |
City of Gold Coast (QLD) | 7.2 | 5.9 | -17 |
Icon Water (ACT) | 8.4 | 8.8 | +5 |
Water Corporation (WA) | 10.2 | 12.0 | -+15 |
SA Water (SA) | 12.7 | 14.2 | +11 |
Central Coast Council (NSW) | 16.3 | 15.2 | -7 |
Greater Western Water (VIC) | 16.8 | 17.9 | +6 |
Urban Utilities (QLD) | 17.8 | 18.3 | +3 |
Sydney Water (NSW) | 20.6 | 20.2 | -2 |
Hunter Water (NSW) | 22.0 | 22.9 | +4 |
South East Water (VIC) | 28.4 | 28.2 | -0.7 |
Barwon Water (VIC) | 23.6 | 29.2 | +19 |
Yarra Valley Water (VIC) | 35.4 | 34.6 | -2 |
TasWater (TAS) | 47.2 | 42.8 | -9 |
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.
Water main education
Ever wondered why water mains break and how we fix them?
This series takes you behind the scenes, through a series of videos all about how we manage the water network.
From what causes a leak or break to how our crews work to restore water supply and support the community during an outage – this explains what it takes to keep South Australia’s water flowing.