Water Supply Services

Boat on river
  • CURRENT ST GEORGE WATER RESTRICTIONS

    St George is currently on Level 2 Water Restrictions. The below table relates to the use of River Water supply for outside watering purposes. It does not relate to Town (Bore) Water, which is used for internal household use. 

    LEVEL 2 WATER RESTRICTIONS - ST GEORGE RIVER WATER
    Residential Properties

    Water any time, any day - considering advised target levels of 2,500L per household per day and 75,000L per household per month.

    All Schools & Caravan Parks 9am-10:30am and 4:30pm-6pm Monday to Thursday
    Other Businesses

    Odd Property Numbers - 7am-9am & 4pm-6pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

    Even Property Numbers - 7am-9am & 4pm-6pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

    Council Parks & Facilities In accordance with parks and gardens program.
    Handheld Hoses - All consumers Water any time.
    Other variations to the above Subject to individual Council approval.
    Open-ended, unattended hoses must not be used at any location at any time.
  • Council currently has three different types of Water Meters in place in St George, which has occurred due to availability and sourcing requirements of the years.

    Despite their differences, all types of Water Meters in place essentially have the same layout in terms of reading the water usage of each individual Meter. 

    How to read you water meter

     

  • The Balonne Shire Council owns and operates seven water supply networks in the towns of Bollon, Dirranbandi, Hebel, Mungindi, St George and Thallon.

    Town Water Source
    Bollon Untreated artesian bore supply.
    Dirranbandi Treated water mixed with untreated artesian bore supply.
    Hebel Untreated artesian bore supply.
    Mungindi Moree Plains Shire Council treats water from the town weir on the Bokhara River in Mungindi, NSW and meters it before it crosses the border to Balonne Shire ratepayers in Mungindi Qld.
    St George (Indoor) Untreated artesian bore supply.
    St George (Outdoor) An untreated supply from the town weir on the Balonne River is used for gardens, toilets and fire fighting. Water is purchased from SunWater, who determines Council's allocation according to supply availability.
    Thallon Untreated artesian bore supply.

     

  • Rainwater tanks are installed at most homes throughout the shire. However, they’re not always safe to drink from.

    Bore water is our potable water supply, tested monthly to ensure compliance with drinking water standards.

     

  • 1. Planning and preparation

    Careful planning is the key to saving water in the garden.

    • Group plants of similar water needs in specific areas for more efficient watering
    • Set windbreaks to protect delicate species and to reduce water needs

    2. Improve the soil

    Soil moisture content is vital to the health of any plant.  You can improve the organic matter of your soil by adding manure, compost, peat, etc.  A high level of organic matter in your soil will improve plant growth, use less water and fertilisers and promote healthier plants.

    3. Grow the right plants

    When choosing plants, it’s important to not only consider size, shape, function and appearance, but also the amount of water which they will require.  Choose water-efficient plant and you will be saving money on your water rates and helping to create a low maintenance garden.

    4. Reduce grassed area

    Lawns require more water than other areas of your garden and therefore offer the best opportunity to help you conserve water and save money.  Lawns should be designed to be practical and useful and not just as a fill-in area in your garden.

    5. Water wisely

    The ideal watering system is one which will deliver water directly to the plant roots in the correct quantiles.  Drippers, tap timers, trigger hoses and micro-irrigations systems should be used to deliver water in the most efficient manner.

    6. Use more mulch

    A good mulch of at least 75mm thick, reduces evaporation from the soil surface by as much as 70%.  Mulch discourages wee growth, prevents erosion and evens out soil temperature variations.

    7. Garden maintenance

    The above six secrets will lead to a significant reduction in water use and the time and effort in your garden.  However, a water-efficient garden requires regular maintenance to ensure it remains healthy.

    Learn more - water wise gardens

  • St George Water Supply Scheme | Consultation Open until 29 September 2023 | Beardmore Dam Minimum Operating Volume Reconciliations 

    Sunwater, Mallawa Irrigation and Balonne Shire Council have been working together to proactively explore ways of alleviating water supply shortages in St George during critically dry periods, when Beardmore Dam is at or below its minimum operating volume.   

    A proposal has been developed to change the way that a positive reconciliation balance might be applied to water accounts, but only when the dam is below its minimum operating volume. The proposal, which would involve a change to Sunwater’s Operations Manual for the St George Water Supply Scheme, is outlined in an information bulletin on the Sunwater website on the below button:

    Information Bulletin - Sunwater website

    Sunwater, Mallawa Irrigation and Balonne Shire Council are canvassing the views of water allocation holders and other interested stakeholders about whether the rules should be changed or not. You can Have Your Say online via the below button:

    Have Your Say Online

    Alternatively, you can access the feedback form on the Sunwater website and email your completed form to customersupport@sunwater.com.au.  All feedback must be received prior to close of business on Friday 29 September 2023.