What Is The Water Corp Leak Allowance And How Do I Apply?
Think you have a hidden leak in the garden? You may be eligible for a leak allowance from the Water Corp. If you suspect you have a hidden leak, get your plumbing checked and repaired by a licensed plumber. They can then apply for a leak allowance on your behalf. Visible leaks aren’t eligible for the allowance.
What is the Water Corp leak allowance?
If you have a hidden leak and get it repaired by a licensed plumber or waterwise garden irrigator (that’s us), you may be able to receive an allowance of up to 50% of the estimated water lost. Just note that this allowance doesn’t cover the cost for any repair work or services.
A leak allowance will only be considered after you have your plumbing or irrigation repairs completed to the required industry standards. As such, DIY fixes won’t meet the criteria. Read on to see if you’re eligible for the allowance.
Leak allowance eligibility
The Water Corp is very diligent and considers each application on a case-by-case basis. To be eligible for a leak allowance, you must meet the following conditions:
The leak must be undetectable (not visible).
Internal pipework needs to be repaired or verified by a current licensed plumber, or for any irrigation repairs, a waterwise garden irrigator.
The licensed plumber must hold a current plumbing tradesperson's licence under the direction and control of a Licensed Plumbing Contractor, or contractor’s licence as issued by the Plumbers Licensing Board. FYI, Northend Reticulation meet these criteria.
The plumbing or irrigation repairs must be compliant with government regulations.
You must be occupying and/or maintaining the property.
Additional conditions for irrigation repairs.
For any retic repairs, the irrigation system must (as a minimum) have:
A Watermark Certified manual isolation valve.
A backflow prevention device complying with AS/NZS 3500.1.
A master control solenoid installed to meet irrigation industry standards.
A waterwise garden irrigator can advise you if you have these on your property. If there is no manual isolation valve and master solenoid installed, an allowance will only be assessed upon re-application, after the irrigation system is upgraded to the required plumbing standards and certified by a licensed plumber or waterwise garden irrigator.
What isn’t covered / included.
Visible leaks — the leak must be hidden and verified by a current licensed plumber, or for any irrigation repairs, a waterwise garden irrigator.
A leak allowance won’t be granted for leaks and/or bursts that occur on internal or external taps, internal appliances, fixtures or fittings including dishwashers, hot water systems, toilet cisterns and valves.
How to apply for the leak allowance.
Once the waterwise garden irrigator or plumber has completed your repairs, they can submit the leak allowance application on your behalf using the Water Corp’s online form. They should know what to do, but when they repair the leak, check that they record the:
Date of the repair.
Meter number.
Meter reading upon completion of the repairs.
A description of the repair work completed.
Checking on the progress of your application
The Water Corp will process the application within 15 business days and advise you of the outcome. If you haven’t heard anything within this timeframe, reach out to your plumber or waterwise garden irrigator to check if they have actually submitted your application. If they confirm that they have, then you can contact the Water Corp and request an update.
If you’re granted an allowance, the amount you receive will be credited to your account and appear on your next bill.
Okay, I think I have a hidden leak! What now?
To get the process started, contact us as soon as you suspect you have a hidden leak in your garden. We’ll get to your property as soon as possible and begin rectifying the leak. Once we’re done, we’ll apply for the leak allowance on your behalf.