Alexandrina Council’s primary water management objectives are water security for our community, minimising risk to property and life, conserving water and enhancing the sustainability of our water ways.
We are committed to reduce our consumption of mains water and we have invested in stormwater and wastewater reuse networks. As a result major areas of open space within some communities are now independent of mains water. We have also upgraded and incorporated water efficiency, harvesting and reuse measures into new and existing council buildings and facilities.
With stormwater a valuable resource that can be treated, we incorporate Water Sensitive Urban Design Strategies in new developments to increase the volume of stormwater infiltration and reducing the amount of polluted runoff into our waterways. Alexandrina Council has constructed significant number of stormwater ponds and urban wetlands which form part of our stormwater reuse network. These include the North Parade Wetland, Strath Hub Wetland, Pipers Crest Wetland and Aberdeen Park Wetland at Strathalbyn, the Sam Court Reserve Wetland at mount Compass, the Kessel Road Wetland and Murray Smith, Albury Lane and Birchall Road Ornamental Lakes at Goolwa, the Vanali Drive Wetland System and Lakala Reserve Pond at Port Elliot and the Dragonfly Boulevard Wetland at Beyond.
These wetlands have been built together with developers to help with flood control and they function as water filters by removing pollutants from stormwater and now provide an environment for native flora and fauna.
Alexandrina Council's Water Entity consists of wastewater, reclaimed water and recycled water services.
Alexandrina Council Community Wastewater Management System (CWMS) provide wastewater disposal solutions for the Alexandrina Community.
Alexandrina Council provides customers in Goolwa, Port Elliot, Mt Compass, Strathalbyn, Milang and Hindmarsh Island with wastewater disposal services via a septic tank effluent disposal scheme (STEDS) or direct sewerage main.
Alexandrina Council provide non-potable water to a number of properties in the township of Finniss and recycled water to several commercial businesses. The Council also utilises reclaimed water on many parks and gardens throughout the Council area.
Benefits of Using Reclaimed and Recycled Water
There are multiple benefits of utilising reclaimed and recycled water on Council parks and gardens and providing this water to approved consumers:
Environmental Benefits
- Utilising reclaimed and recycled water reduces the demand on existing water resources such as the River Murray and the Adelaide Hills Water Catchments
- Stormwater catchment systems can increase local biodiversity and play an important role to help protect the local marine environment
Economic Benefits
- Using reclaimed and recycled water in Council's parks and gardens yields significant cost savings in the provision of these services.
- Providing water at a lower cost than mains water to users assists the Council in attracting and sustaining local industry, which contribute to the local economy and provide jobs in our community.
Social Benefits
- The development of wetlands in the Council area and the use of reclaimed and recycled water for irrigating Alexandrina Council Parks and Gardens helps make our district a more beautiful place to live and provides unique recreational areas
- The supply of reclaimed and recycled water to Council sports fields and community parks has meant that despite water restrictions, grassy areas can continue to flourish and be used for both passive recreation and active sports use.
Pricing
The pricing of Community Wastewater Management Scheme services and reclaimed and recycled water is set by Council in accordance with Section 188 of the Local Government Act 1999 and takes into account the costs of building, operating and renewing the assets required to capture, treat and distribute water to customers.
Relevant fees and charges are set annually and listed in the Fees and Charges. Please refer to the pricing policy statement as required by the Water Industry Act.
Alexandrina Council customer service charters for wastewater and water services outline Council and customer responsibilities.
Water industry customers in financial hardship should refer to the Water Industry Hardship Policy and contact the financial services team for further information.
Concerns
Have you observed an issue on public lands such as a spill or leak? Please report this as soon as possible by calling 8555 7000.
If you wish to lodge a complaint in regards to the Water Industry Entity please see our complaints and resolutions procedure.
Can I connect?
Unfortunately the Finniss Water Scheme is fully subscribed and Council cannot offer any new connections. Customers should also note this water cannot be on-sold privately.
To determine if you can connect to one of the Community Wastewater Schemes please call 8555 7000.
Alexandrina Council’s primary water management objectives are water security for our community, minimising risk to property and life, conserving water and enhancing the sustainability of our water ways.
We are committed to reduce our consumption of mains water and we have invested in stormwater and wastewater reuse networks. As a result major areas of open space within some communities are now independent of mains water. We have also upgraded and incorporated water efficiency, harvesting and reuse measures into new and existing council buildings and facilities.
With stormwater a valuable resource that can be treated, we incorporate Water Sensitive Urban Design Strategies in new developments to increase the volume of stormwater infiltration and reducing the amount of polluted runoff into our waterways. Alexandrina Council has constructed significant number of stormwater ponds and urban wetlands which form part of our stormwater reuse network. These include the North Parade Wetland, Strath Hub Wetland, Pipers Crest Wetland and Aberdeen Park Wetland at Strathalbyn, the Sam Court Reserve Wetland at mount Compass, the Kessel Road Wetland and Murray Smith, Albury Lane and Birchall Road Ornamental Lakes at Goolwa, the Vanali Drive Wetland System and Lakala Reserve Pond at Port Elliot and the Dragonfly Boulevard Wetland at Beyond.
These wetlands have been built together with developers to help with flood control and they function as water filters by removing pollutants from stormwater and now provide an environment for native flora and fauna.
