Working for our future – today
Frequently asked questions
Pressure and Leakage Management Project
(PLMP)
Council has implemented a pressure and leakage
management initiative designed to reduce leaks, conserve
water and ensure the security of uninterrupted supply.
What is the Pressure and Leakage
Management Project?
What is the project progress?
All infrastructure has been completed across the city. This
includes the installation of 60 District Metered Areas. This
allows for close monitoring to detect leaks quickly, adjust
pressure and minimise water wastage.
The Pressure and Leakage Management Project (PLMP)
aims to minimise water loss through leakage by managing
excessive network pressure and systematically detecting
and repairing leaks.
Reducing excess water pressure has decreased pipe bursts,
undetectable leaks and reduced the amount of water used
in homes.
Managing network pressure helps to provide a sustainable
water supply and meet the city’s future development needs.
How does it work?
Think of a garden tap and hose. If the hose connector
doesn’t fit properly, when the water is turned on some of it
squirts out of the top, instead of flowing through the hose.
Turning the tap on harder, increases the water spurting
out through the top because of the increased pressure.
Sometimes it pops off the tap.
It’s the same principle in our water system. If pressure is
high it forces water through the small holes and cracks,
and sometimes that can cause pipes to burst. By reducing
the pressure, less water is squeezed out of the holes,
and in some cases, virtually no water escapes.
How is the pressure controlled?
Pressure is controlled using a Pressure Reducing Valve
(PRV). The modulating system increases pressure during
peak periods and reduces pressure during off-peak times,
especially at night, in line with customer demand.
The valves have been installed in pits beneath
the ground.
Pressure reducing valve and pressure management technology
What effect will pressure management
have on my water supply?
The project has been running for nearly seven years
and residents have reported little or no impact since the
introduction of pressure management.
What is the optimum range?
The optimum range depends on the topography of the area,
the length of the pipe transporting water from the nearest
reservoir, the height of the reservoir and the volume of water
being drawn at any particular time. The aim of this project
is to find the optimum range for each supply area, that
produces the best service with the least interruptions due
to main breaks.
FACT SHEET Project Name
What do I do if I don’t have enough
pressure?
If you think the pressure at your property is not sufficient,
call Council on 1300 000 928 and we will arrange for the
pressure to be tested.
Does this affect fire fighting?
The changes do not affect fire-fighting capacity.
Queensland Fire and Rescue was consulted on all aspects of
the project including the proposed pressure changes. Our
‘smart technology’ can automatically increase pressure to
meet demand.
Does this affect home dialysis?
The changes should not affect home dialysis. All residents
on the home dialysis register have been advised.
Will my whitegoods be affected?
Dishwashers, washing machines and other whitegoods
should operate no differently with the change in pressure. In
fact, it is likely there will be less wear and tear and reduced
hose breakages.
For more information on the project call Council
on 1300 000 928.
For further information please contact:
Gold Coast City Council
1300 000 928
goldcoastcity.com.au
GCCC9153 Pressure and Leakage Management Project (PLMP)
Monitoring equipment transmits data on the systems water
pressure daily