SA Water says last year saw the lowest number of water main leaks and breaks in five years. 

SA Water says there were 3,532 water main leaks and breaks reported in 2022 across its 27,000-kilometre network, compared to 3,782 in 2021, with last year also below the annual average for the past 10 years.

These figures include everything from major breaks to minor pipe leaks, damp patches and trickles on the road.

SA Water’s Senior Manager of Capital Delivery Peter Seltsikas said historically the number one cause of water main leaks and breaks is the impact of weather on Adelaide’s reactive clay soils and therefore underground pressurised water pipes, particularly during the transition between hot and cool seasons.

“Above average rainfall which the state experienced throughout spring last year was crucial in maintaining soil moisture and helping to reduce stress on Adelaide’s water main network, and this is likely to be the driving factor behind a continued decrease in network faults,” Ms Seltsikas said.

“This is similar to what we experienced in both 2020 and 2021, where relatively mild transitions between seasons underpinned stable levels of moisture, and therefore fewer main breaks.

“Our data also shows the number of pressure-related faults - often an indicator of a pipe’s health - decreased by around five per cent compared to 2021, indicating the benefits of a $155 million program of works across 2020-2024 to maintain our state-wide water infrastructure.

“Last year we installed 78 kilometres of new water main, which coupled with our smart water networks, water valve upgrades and water pressure management program, aims to further improve services for our customers.”