Water Pressure
Under our Water Services Licence, we deliver water pressure within a standard range of 15 to 100 metres head (mH). Metres head is the measurement used to determine water pressure. It refers to the height (head) that water would rise vertically in a pipe. For example, 15 metres head of pressure would allow water to rise to a height of 15 metres.
We constantly monitor the pressures being delivered into the water network at the water treatment plant to ensure these standards are being delivered. In addition, we regularly measure the water pressure at customer meters on the property boundary. All the testing has confirmed the supplied pressures are well within the required performance standards.
Has your builder installed a Pressure reducing valve?
Whilst working around the residential estate over the past months, we have observed that a number of properties have pressure reducing valves installed on the house side of the meter. These devices are manually set to limit pressure into the property and consequently, may reduce flow rate into the property.
These devices would have been installed by your builder or domestic plumber. They are NOT installed by Muchea Water. As they are not part of the mains water supply, we are not able to advise on their usage. You should contact your builder or plumber for further advice on why these devices were installed and whether these or other installed appliances are impacting the water pressure you are experiencing.
Variations in water pressure
Water pressure can vary from property to property, typically due to the topography or contours of the land (that is, whether the area is hilly or lower lying and whether your property is at a higher or lower elevation in relation to the water treatment plant) as well as the flow of water through the local pipe network.
Sudden changes in water pressure
We aim to provide at least 20 litres of water per minute at your water meter. The pressure and flow that you experience from your taps is dependent on lots of factors like the elevation of your property and your internal plumbing and whether your builder installed a pressure reducing device on your service connection.
However, if you have noticed your water pressure has changed recently, there are a few things you can check.
Firstly, check for outages – by visiting our Faults & Outages page to check if there are any known water issues or works in your area as this could potentially affect your water pressure.
If there are no outages or faults, you can conduct a water pressure test.
This can be helpful to estimate the water flow you are getting at your tap. Note this will be lower than the flow supplied at the water meter.
Step 1
Make sure all taps and water using appliances are turned off.
Step 2
Write down the numbers on your water meter located at your property boundary.
Step 3
Turn on your front garden tap for 60 seconds. Be sure to collect this water in a bucket (or two) and use it on your garden or pot plants.
Step 4
Take another meter reading and subtract it from the first meter reading. This will tell you how much water came out per minute.
Requesting a pressure test
If you would like to know the exact pressure at your property for planning applications, we encourage you to contact a a licensed plumber to arrange a pressure test.
Frequently asked questions
What if I have a problem with my water pressure?
If you believe you have a water pressure problem, first check our Faults & Outages page to see if there are any issues with the mains network, and then consider doing a water pressure test at your garden tap. If you’re still not sure, it might be time to call your licenced plumber to check your property.
How does water pressure affect my garden reticulation?
If you are experiencing low pressure it will be noticeable by a reduced “throw” from your sprinklers.
However, advice from industry experts indicate correctly installed and maintained reticulation systems will work with pressures of 20m to 25m, and we deliver mains pressures greater than this.
How does water pressure affect my my dishwasher, washing machine, hot water system and toilets?
Most hot water systems and dishwashers are designed to work with pressures of 15m to 20m and our mains pipe network delivers pressures greater than this. You may want to contact the manufacturer of your appliance to seek reassurance.