Water pressure reduction in Westport and Carters Beach

Westport experiences high water pressure due to the location of its water reservoirs, which are located on terraces above the township. 

The water flows through a steeply declining pipe from the treatment plant to the trunk main. This steep fall builds up significant water pressure. Consequently, Westport’s water pressure is significantly higher than expected from a water supply of its size.

The high pressure puts a lot of strain on pipes and other parts of the network that connects your house with the main trunk main. It also increases water loss through the network. 

Reducing the water pressure is the most effective method of addressing these two issues. A lower pressure will minimise water loss and reduce the strain on the water infrastructure. Lower pressure will reduce the burst frequency of both public and private pipes, lower water consumption, and reduce damage to private fittings such as hot water cylinders and valves.

You can read our media release here.

Westport's water supply (measured at Derby Street) operates at a maximum pressure of 1,150 kPa (167 psi), with fluctuations during the day depending on demand. The target for Westport would be about half the existing kPa, around 600 kPa, which we aim to achieve by May 2024. A kilopascal or kPa is a unit of water pressure measurement.

A pressure reduction valve (PRV) part of the upgrades to the Westport water supply trunk main will reduce the water pressure. The new PRV has been installed at the base of the terrace on which the water reservoir is situated, with the pressure reduction affecting the entire Westport and Carters Beach townships.

Council will slowly decrease the water pressure by 50 kPa every two weeks starting on Thursday, 29 February, until we reach the optimal pressure of around 600 kPa.

Council aims to have the process completed around mid-May 2024. This will require five iterations of an average reduction of 50kPa every two weeks. A kilopascal or kPa is a unit of water pressure measurement.

Council will have a series of pressure readers throughout the township and will actively monitor these through the process.

Residents might notice a reduction in water pressure once the new pressure reduction valve is in place. This is normal and an indication that the water is running through the network at a more sustainable pressure.

If you are suddenly experiencing unusually low water pressure, ask your neighbour if they have similar issues. If they are, it indicates that this issue could be due to the water pressure reduction. In this case, please contact Council on 0800 807 239.

If only your property has less-than-ideal water pressure, it indicates that your property's pressure reduction device may require an adjustment. You might need to contact a plumber to help adjust your pressure reduction valve.

Private pressure reduction devices include pressure reduction valves, pressure regulators or pressure restriction valves, which reduce the pressure within private property boundaries.

Since Council will reduce the water pressure for Westport and Carters Beach gradually, residents might have to adjust their pressure reduction devices several times, or they may become redundant.