Water distribution

Water from the treatment plants is delivered by gravity fed bulk supply mains to service reservoirs. There are 45 service reservoirs in the Canberra water supply system which are either the excavated, concrete lined type, or the circular, above ground type in concrete or steel. All reservoirs are roofed and designed to blend in with the environment. Pump stations are used to pump water from lower to higher level service reservoirs. The total available reservoir storage is 903 million litres of water.

Consumers receive water through a network of reticulated pipes. The reticulation system is divided into pressure zones with each zone served from one or more local service reservoirs.

The quality of water from the catchment to consumers is evaluated through physical, chemical, and microbiological analysis of water samples from the dams, treatment plants, service reservoirs, and garden taps of Canberra residents. All sampling and analytical work is performed by a NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) registered laboratory. The ACT drinking water quality code of practice (PDF) and the Australian drinking water quality guidelines are the basis for ActewAGL's water quality operations and monitoring. Learn more about the typical water quality in Canberra.

The taste and appearance of water coming out of your tap can change suddenly for various reasons; for example, problems in the reticulation system due to burst water mains. Other water quality problems may be due to problems in internal plumbing. If you notice blue water coming from any of your taps, your water pipes may be affected by copper corrosion.