new water connections

ARE YOU CONNECTED?

If you buy a home or move into an existing property your water supply for both drinking water and recycled water (if applicable) will already be connected.

YOU ARE SELLING YOUR PROPERTY.  WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN?

You do not need to get your water disconnected if you are selling your property.

Your solicitor will arrange for a Section 603 Certificate from us.  This will allow for your water meter(s) to be read on a particular date and fees and charges will be calculated. Click here for fees and charges.

After the property settles all charges after that date will be sent to the new owner. 

If your property is connected to recycled water you must arrange a pre-sale inspection.  Your solicitor will note this requirement on your property’s Section 149 Certificate.

download the Dual Water Supply Certificate of Compliance Application Form

Our factsheets explain how recycled water affects you:

Factsheet 1 Recycled Water Frequently Asked Questions

Factsheet 2 Recycled Water Facts for Owners, Plumbers and Builders

Factsheet 3 Recycled Water Facts for the Real Estate Industry

YOU ARE RENTING A PROPERTY

If you are moving into or out of a rental property you do not need to advise us.  All water bills will be sent to your landlord.

ARE YOU BUILDING A NEW HOUSE OR DEVELOPING A PROPERTY?

If you are building a house or granny flat, developing units or a dual occupancy you will need to apply for a new water connection. 

Water Service Application Form

new wastewaster connections

RESIDENTIAL CONNECTIONS

There are no volume-based charges for wastewater on residential properties.

Charges are listed separately on your annual rates notices as 'Wastewater Charge Residential', and are paid with your other Council rates.

NON-RESIDENTIAL CONNECTIONS

There are volume-based charges for wastewater on non-residential properties. Annual fees will vary, please contact Council to make a non-residential connection, ph 6686 4444.

ARE YOU BUILDING A NEW HOUSE OR DEVELOPING A PROPERTY?

If you are building a house, granny flat or developing units or a dual occupancy you will need to apply for a new wastewater connection.  Please contact Council, ph 6686 4444.

BASIX

All new residential homes in NSW must have a BASIX certificate.  BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) is a NSW Government initiative and provides a set of guidelines to ensure new dwellings are water and energy efficient. BASIX is implemented under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. 

If you are building your new home in a residential estate supplied with reclaimed water you will get BASIX points towards your BASIX certificate.

If you live outside of a reclaimed water supply area you will accrue BASIX points by installing an appropriately sized rainwater tank.

Check the BASIX website for more details

Rainwater Tanks

Installing a rainwater tank can save water. Rainwater can be used for watering the garden, washing your car, washing clothes or flushing the toilet.

If you are planning on installing a rainwater tank we have a number of requirements:

• the tanks need to be located in accordance with any approved plans
• the rainwater tank must be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications
• neither the tank nor associated excavation should have an impact on nearby or adjoining buildings or structures
• the use of pumps associated with the rainwater tank should not be too noisy. Noise guidelines are set out in the Protection of the Environment Operations Act (POEO Act). You may need to insulate the pump facility to reduce noise
• rainwater tanks installed above the ground will be at the rear or side of the yard/garden areas and screened from the street and from neighbours
• all tanks must be clear of Council's sewer mains and other registered easements
• a first flush diversion system must be installed
• we recommend the rainwater tank be de-sludged at regular intervals, preferably annually
• we recommend your roof gutters be kept clear of debris
• all tank inlets and overflows should be covered with insect gauze to prevent insects and debris entering the rainwater tank
• all plumbing works associated with the installation of rainwater tanks should be carried out in accordance with Ballina Council's Guidelines, Australian Standard 3500:2003 Plumbing and Drainage Part 1: Water Services and the NSW Code of Practice, Plumbing and Drainage
• the plumbing pipe work associated with the installation of your rainwater tank and the connection of pumps can only be done by someone who has a current NSW Plumber's Licence
• field testing and maintenance of backflow prevention devices shall be carried out in accordance with Australian Standard 2845-1993 Part 3: field testing and maintenance. NSW licensed plumbers must hold the necessary additional qualifications to undertake this work
• where there is risk of cross-contamination between the rainwater tank and Council's drinking water supply, a suitable backflow prevention device is to be installed in accordance with the requirements of Ballina Shire Council.

You may be eligible for a rainwater tank rebate from Rous County Council.

Rous County Council rainwater tank rebates

fees and charges

WATER CONSUMPTION 2019/20

Download Council's fees and charges

Forms

• 603 Certificate Application
• Backflow Register Form
• Direct Debit Request for Rates
• Draw Water from a Council Hydrant Application 
• Dual Water Supply Certificate of Compliance Application 
• Special Water Meter Readings Application Form
• Liquid Trade Waste Application for Class A  Discharges
• Liquid Trade Waste Application for Class B Discharges
• Liquid Trade Waste Application for Class C Discharges
• Liquid Trade Waste Application for Class S Discharges
• Water Mains Pressure Certificate Application
  
• Fire Pressure Certificate Application
• Water Service Application
• Water Meter Checking Procedure

Click here for all Council Forms

Ballina Shire Council manages drinking water and recycled water supplies and wastewater and stormwater services on behalf of the 41,644 residents of Ballina Shire (2014).

This extraction of water from the water cycle for use and then returning it back into the water cycle is called the urban water cycle.