Within the Pimpama–Coomera region there are some areas that use both drinking and non-drinking water or dual reticulation. If you are developing property in the zone, you may be required to install a dual water system. Residents moving to the area can learn more about non-drinking water systems.
What is dual reticulation?
- Dual-reticulation zone properties are plumbed with two separate pipe networks to supply their water.
- The pipes connect to drinking water and non-drinking water networks.
- Non-drinking water networks are coloured purple. This includes water mains, meters, pipes, taps and hoses.
- The dual system ensures that water pressure to the network remains consistent.
Uses of non-drinking water (purple pipe)
Non-drinking water is supplied to some dual-reticulated Pimpama–Coomera homes and businesses. It is used for:
- flushing toilets
- filling ornamental ponds
- car washing
- external cleaning
- fire-fighting purposes
- watering gardens and lawns
- irrigating fruit and vegetable crops (these should be rinsed in drinking water before consumption).
Non-drinking water should not be used for:
- drinking
- cooking or kitchen purposes
- personal washing (baths, showers, bidets and hand basins)
- domestic evaporative cooler
- clothes washing
- swimming pools and spas
- recreation, such as water toys and playing under sprinklers
- as a water source for pets and livestock
- filling rainwater tanks or other storages.
Developments in the Pimpama–Coomera area
If you are developing property in the Pimpama–Coomera region, some areas have either single or dual supply system requirements for water delivery.
To find out whether your development is in a single or two-supply system area, refer to the Planned water supply system Pimpama–Coomera area map(PDF, 4MB)
Properties & developments in a single-supply system area
If the new property is within a single-supply system area the property will be required to be plumbed for drinking water only.
However, if the conditions of the development require the installation of a non-drinking water and drinking water system, there are two options:
1. Drinking water supply only
If you wish to remove the non-drinking water main and install only a drinking water network, analysis must be undertaken to ensure demand and fore flows of the development can be met through the single drinking water system.
To remove the non-drinking water main:
- Lodge a request to make a change pursuant to Section 78 of the Planning Act 2016.
- Request dual-reticulation conditions to be amended/removed from the Material Change of Use (MCU)/Reconfiguration of a Lot (ROL) Decision Notice.
- You will be required to submit revised operational works water drawings showing the removal of the non-drinking water main and any modifications required as a result of the network analysis.
2. Dual water supply
If you wish to remove the non-drinking water main and install only a drinking water network, analysis must be undertaken to ensure demand and fore flows of the development can be met through the single drinking water system.
To remove the non-drinking water main:
- you still have the option to proceed as approved and to install the non-drinking water main as per the conditions of the MCU/ROL approval.
Developments in a two-supply system area
If the new property is within a two-supply system area it will be required to be plumbed for dual reticulation in accordance with the SEQ Water Supply and Sewerage Design and Construction Code and Australians Standards and Land Development Guidelines.
If a development's conditions require the installation of a non-drinking water and drinking water system, the conditions of the development must be met.
Advice for residents moving or buying property in the Pimpama–Coomera region
If you are planning on residing in the Pimpama–Coomera region, you can find out if your property sits within the single or dual supply system by looking at the Planned water supply system Pimpama–Coomera area map(PDF, 4MB)
Water meters & bills in reticulated zones
Customers with dual-reticulation systems will have two water meters for each kind of water service.
You will be billed for non-drinking and drinking water on your quarterly water and sewerage rates notice.
The cost of non-drinking water is less than drinking water. For more information visit the My water bill page.
For more information on this process or to report an incorrect connection, service difficulties or emergencies, call our Customer Contact Centre on 1300 000 928.
Or email: recycledwater@goldcoast.qld.gov.au