Water Supply Services

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. 

 

St George Water Supply Policy

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

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.