Rous is pleased to announce that new initiatives aimed at reducing incidental water loss and improving the efficiency of its water distribution network are complete.

Led by Rous, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water partly funded the $456,100 project through their Regional Leakage Reduction Program.

The project started in June 2023 and comprises of four initiatives - the first three are complete and in effect on the network:

1. New water meters have been installed to detect leaks and pipe breaks faster.
2. Eighty sensors have been installed to alert Rous staff of water pressure reductions and spikes, signifying leaks or pipe breaks.
3. An assessment using CCTV and acoustic equipment was conducted on critical areas ofthe water mains to check the condition of the infrastructure and for areas that may potentially leak.
4. A control valve (anticipated to be complete in April 2025) will be installed on a large pipeline to better manage the flow and pressure of water across the network and reduce the severity of water loss if a major pipe bursts.

This project contributes to Rous’ Water Loss Management Program. Through this program, Rous conducts regular maintenance and implements new initiatives to reduce water loss from its432 km long pipeline network with the overall goal of conserving water, according to Adam Nesbitt, Group Manager Operations, at Rous.

“Since 2022, we have reduced water loss on our network by 13.5% or 37 million litres per year (before it reaches customers),” said Adam Nesbitt.

“On occasion, we experience water leaks and pipe damage on our network that is out of our control, which is mostly due to environmental impacts and accidents.

“We have a dedicated team who work around the clock to attend incidents; however, we are always looking into new ways to be alerted sooner.

“We are also making improvements to better control the flow of huge volumes of water on our network, so – if we have an incident on a major pipe – we can reduce the amount lost.”

The Water Loss Management Program is part of Rous’ Future Water Project 2060.

“On behalf of Rous, I’d like to sincerely thank the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for their contribution which is helping us to strengthen our water network now and into the future,” said Phillip Rudd, General Manager, Rous.

“At Rous, we believe it is important to adopt new innovations and smart technologies to providethe highest quality water, weed biosecurity and rural flood mitigation services for our Northern Rivers community.

“These four new initiatives – which are part of our Water Loss Management Program - are an example of how Rous is continually working towards conserving our precious drinking water and ensuring a sustainable future for our region.”

Rous sources, stores, treats and supplies water to the Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley councils. These councils then on-sell this water to their communities. Rous is proud to provide high-quality drinking water to approximately 110,000 people in the region.