Since we were toddlers, we have been taught the importance of water—from conservation to human consumption. This essential compound quenches one’s thirst and regulates body temperature to maintain optimal bodily functions. 

Of course, not all water can be consumed outright. Some harbour illnesses that could potentially lead to life-threatening risks. Potable water should be accessible in all nooks and crannies of Sydney to ensure everybody gets enough water daily. 

Who Regulates Sydney’s Drinking Water Quality?

Now, that is a pretty generic statement that rings proper in all angles. Clean drinking water is a basic human right and should be available to everybody in a heartbeat. However, the statement itself has layers, where each act of peeling results in a deeper question. 

“How does it become accessible?”

“How do you define potable?”

“Who sets the definition of potable water?”

“Who approves all of these drinking water regulations?”

Those four are just the tip of the iceberg, especially if you’re imaginative and curious enough to interject every question with another. However, drinking water is more than just drinking water. It undergoes a thorough process, both technical and legal before it can be deemed as such—before you can safely take a sip. 

Let’s tackle the two bottom questions—the guidelines we follow and the organisation behind Sydney’s Drinking Water Industry. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) established the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (the Guidelines). This publication, which undergoes a rolling revision, controls the quality of water supplied in all of Australia.

While not mandatorily enforced, the Guidelines are still being used by the respective involved parties. In New South Wales (NSW), NSW Health routinely monitors public drinking water. Not only does it track infectious diseases potentially attributed to contaminated water, but it also promotes transparency in water quality through reports from suppliers like Sydney Water. 

The other two questions can then be answered using the same guidelines. But to truly visualize how this system works, we must track where our drinking water comes from.  

The Source: Where Drinking Water Comes From

There are two main sources for our drinking water: (1) rainwater in catchbasins and (2) water stored in lakes surrounded by some of the most unspoilt native bushland. 

Of course, they are not as portable as they are. Through partners of Sydney Water like WaterNSW, they oversee protecting and monitoring areas around lake sources. They can choose the best water for Sydney Water to filter. 

When water from common sources is scarce due to drought and the like, oceans are also tapped. This is where desalination plants come in. 

Water Downrange: How Utilities Transport Water to You

Like your homes, Sydney contains a plumbing system engineered specifically to transport large quantities of water safely. After filtration and other processes, water travels through pipes to secure covered reservoirs in your area. From these reservoirs, smaller pipes ensure water arrives at your taps at home.  

Filtration Ensures Water Safety

We briefly passed through the filtration process our water undergoes above. But it is as uncomplicated as it sounds. 

Nature is bound to be harmonious in lakes, rivers, and other catchments. Leaves, twigs, and other natural debris will be present. And that’s the first step. 

• Our water flows through fine screens to eliminate said natural debris.
• Our filtration plants produce smaller particles that cannot stick together through screens. They activate this by adding a solution (a coagulant), which allows for better filtration.
• To remove microbiological parasites like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, they let the water pass through tightly packed beds of sand and anthracite.

Once passed for a successful filtration, our water can easily travel through pipe systems to our homes.

Sydney Tap Water vs. Bottled Water

A debate in itself – this common comparison is still prevalent. But their sources, quality testings, and impacts all differ. 

Sydney’s tap water comes from lakes, rivers, and catchments protected and regulated by accredited agencies. On the other hand, bottled waters come from multiple sources whose specific origins are not quite documented (not required by the code). More tests tap water undergo to ensure safety and potability – around 70 tests to be exact!

The most obvious comparison is the environmental impact. Bottled water is encased in plastic bottles, and 64% end up as litter. The biggest irony in producing bottled water is that it requires three litres of water (and 250 mL of oil). Tap water, naturally, has its systemic barriers but is still a sustainable choice. 

What to Do if Tap Water Looks, Smells, or Tastes Funky/Metallic

Normally, tap water is tasteless, odourless, and colourless. But if you encounter anything unusual, it could be due to contamination. It could be large-scale pollution or soiling from undetected leaks in the system. However, there are cases where the root cause lies in your property’s plumbing system. 

Due to aging and corroded pipes, tap water can look, smell, and taste funky/metallic. While some do not indicate health risks, some can lead to adverse health risks. You may need to pause the tap water and contact a plumbing professional. This way, you can ensure how this occurrence came to be. 

For taps, toilets, and water heater repairs, it is best to trust certified and experienced plumbers. Fortunately, Sydney has Link Plumbing. Our team specialises in timely repairs and high-grade solutions to your plumbing needs. We also collaborate and empathise with you. 

Call our team on 0412 056 027, email us, or request an appointment online, and we’ll get the job done.

Water is a precious commodity across sectors; that is something undeniable. Human consumption needs a secure drinking water supply; otherwise, human life will perish. 

Currently, Sydney’s water supply is heavily dependent on rain. We have managed to maintain this feat, but the water source is at risk with a rapidly changing climate and a growing population. In 2021, the Greater Sydney Water Strategy forecasted an increase of 250 gigalitres of drinking water annually by 2060. 

Summers are getting hotter, and dam levels are falling. Water storage efforts are not enough, and Sydney’s water system may not be able to carry enough water for everyone.

Communities are called not to take water for granted. Desalination plants are now constantly used. However, more than existing tactics, this suggests that more adaptable technologies and flexible plumbing systems must be implemented to combat the risk of short supply. 

To sustain sustainability, a balance must be struck between leading the advancement of water management systems and optimising costs for Sydneysiders. In adherence to its operating licence, which is anchored in the Sydney Water Act 1994, Sydney Water has this duty and responsibility. 

As citizens of Sydney, we have no real control over our service provider. Hence, this is our safety net for a secure potable water source. To ensure that there are performance standards to which Sydney Water is subjected. 

Water Continuity: Drinking Water Statistics in Sydney

The first performance standard is an unaffected drinking water supply. As per the Operating Licence from 2019-2023, Sydney Water must ensure that at least 9,800 out of 10,000 properties are not subjected to unplanned water interruption. 

This phenomenon occurs when the drinking water supply is interrupted without at least 48 hours prior notice. It also means it takes more than five continuous hours for normal flow to be restored. In short, it has two main indicators: (1) the number of unplanned supply interruptions and (2) the duration. 

These indicators have a total of five branches:

• Number of fault events (mainly due to pipe corrosion and leakages, structural failure, and external damages leading to nonperformance of water supply delivery)
• Number of properties impacted per event 
• Speed of response 
• Availability of alternate supplies (prompt reconfiguration of water supply system to affected properties)
• Speed of repairs 

These components even have their specific factors and suggested courses of action. When we look at Sydney Water’s accomplishments, three out of four years in the current licence show compliance. 

In 2019-2020, they fell short of the 9,800 per 10,000 property mark by 37 properties. This reflects the drought that shook Sydney from 2017 to 2020. Rainfall was recorded to be lowest from January 2017 to December 2019; subsequently being recorded as the warmest years.

Water storage levels in Sydney dropped by 50% of full dam capacity in two years.  Not only did these affect water storage, but the dry weather also drastically affected soils, which led to pipe movements and leakages.  

Thankfully, from 2020 to 2023, Sydney Water has passed the mark. While barely compliant in the succeeding year from the drought, it showed a collective effort in water management activities. However, this does not ensure a consistent performance, as El Niño looms over Sydney in the coming years. 

Water Pressure: Recurrent Pressure Issue Statistics

Another equally important performance standard is water pressure. A little higher than water continuity standards, Sydney Water is required to ensure at least 9,999 out of 10,000 properties are affected by fewer than 12 water pressure failures. A head pressure of less than 15 m at a continuous point for an hour or so is established as a failure. 

Similar to water continuity, it also has performance drivers listed below:

• Property Specific Characteristics (height relative to reservoir)
• Network Pressure
• Local Network Demand

And these drivers have their factors and courses of action.

Unlike water continuity, Sydney Water has been compliant for four consecutive years of the licence. This suggests that 0.0025% of the connected properties have dealt with recurrent pressure problems. Additionally, they found out that these belong to known areas for low pressure. 

Dry Weather Wastewater Overflow Statistics

Part of the performance standards to look out for are dry-weather wastewater overflows. These commonly occur due to sewer blockages, and discharge can vary from 5 to 10 litres per second. Based on the operating licence, there are two key drivers:

• Number of Sewer Chokes (blockage in wastewater pipe)
• Number of properties impacted per choke 

Sydney Water has also successfully complied in said consecutive years, fulfilling at least 9,928 per 10,000 properties receiving a sewerage service unaffected by an Uncontrolled Wastewater Overflow. From 2019 to 2020, they reached 9,965 properties, a steady increase to 9,979 for the succeeding year and 9,987 for the next. From 2022 to 2023, one property wasn’t protected from prior notice. 

Another angle looked into was compliance, which requires at least 9,999 per 10,000 properties to receive a sewerage service unaffected by 3 or more Uncontrolled Wastewater Overflows. Fortunately, Sydney Water has been compliant in all years, achieving 9,999. 

Facts and Figures on Sydney’s Water

A compliant water service provider is a good indicator of striking the balance. However, measures should be applied immediately with the impending consequences of climate change and drastic droughts. Sydney Water gathering more water from desalination plants, with an additional 20,000 million litres on average, is one step. But it’s still not enough. 

One angle they are exploring is the recycling of wastewater. A series of treatments could become one solution to this dilemma. But letting the general public know and convincing them to consume such is no easy feat. With 80% of wastewater going back to the waters after a single cycle, so much potential could be wasted.  

Since this is a controversial topic, starting this process would take more than a few community consultations. Regardless, Sydney still has to act on a plumbing solution to ensure accessible drinking water for all Sydneysiders. Decisions have to be made before it’s too late.

Waiting out a slow drain is a tried-and-tested practice for patience—dare I say enough to make the final swirling of dirty water exciting or relieving. Of course, while a bit of extra patience is good, it shouldn’t be because of inefficient drain systems. But how did it come to be in the first place?

What Causes A Slow Drain?

Debris build-up is the most common cause, but the causes can be more complex. Tree roots entering a sewer line is one thing, and the degradation of pipes and other plumbing components due to years of usage is another. 

Of course, to know how to remedy these issues, you must first know the cause. A plumbing professional better accurately diagnoses the problem and an accompanying plumbing service. They know the workarounds. 

If all your drains are, there is likely a bigger underlying issue. If it is a seemingly isolated case, you probably look into said fixture and deal with it. For now, here are five first-aid tips you can use to fix your slow drain.

1. Removing the Filter or Pop-Up

Drain stoppers are useful when optimising sink functions. Raising or lowering these pop-ups allows you to regulate the water flowing down the drain freely. You can also decide how to fill the sink based on how you intend to use it. 

Of course, drain stoppers not only act as a barrier between the wastewater smell and your home but also as a supporting tool for water conservation. These are all great examples of how stoppers work. However, they can also become a source of unintended slow water draining. 

When debris like soap, toothpaste, hair, and the like accumulate around the plug, it can cause a painstaking sluggish water flow down the drain. Now, stoppers are usually designed to be easily accessed, so careful removal and cleaning will do. That will exponentially hasten your draining rate.

Drain filters are another object used primarily engineered to catch debris and other contaminants. With this, the removal and cleaning are more straightforward. Do this, and you’re all set. 

2. Fishing Out the Foreign Objects

If filter removal or pop-ups don’t work, perhaps the debris is deeper down the pipe. You can resolve that by summoning simple tools like a zip-it or snake. Its ridges can easily collect any hair or debris clogging up the pipe and minimising the water’s drain rate. 

A few pushes with said tools can also disrupt other accumulations along the pipes’ surface. This will clear out the pipes, bringing back the faster drain rate.

3. Using Drain Cleaners

Drain cleaners are tailored for different types of blockage. Some types work better for specific materials (e.g., grease, food, and hair). Dumping them down the drain and waiting for them to dry is as simple as dumping them. 

They come with labels you can read at the supermarket for specific matches. Side note: chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous to people as they are to drains with certain metals.

Hence, knowing your audience and how to tackle it is important. Safety precautions must always be applied. 

If you’re wary of store-bought cleaners, you can make your own. You can make a simple yet effective concoction using materials commonly found in your home. Vinegar and baking soda are a classic combination—you must supplement it with a boiling water rinse. 

4. Plunging 

In plumbing, tools are your friend, especially the right ones. If zip-it tools and snakes can’t reach the supposed accumulation, plungers can help. They create a vacuum to pull the blockage upward and dislodge it. 

5. Unclogging the P-trap

This is quite tricky, as a few pliers or wrenches are needed. But essentially, the bend allows materials to build up and get clogged. Once you open the P-trap, collecting the debris should be fairly easy. 

Now, this assumes that you can manoeuvre through your plumbing systems. However, if you’re a bit apprehensive about doing it, no worries at all. Plumbing professionals are here for a reason. 

Let’s Unclog Your Drain with Link Plumbing

With over three decades of combined plumbing experience and continuous honing of our team’s skills, Link Plumbing will do the job for you. Clogged drains have been in our plumbing service line, and we can guarantee a non-recurrence of the concern. 

Our team works around the clock; you can contact us anytime. We live by consistent work, employing reliable procedures and techniques to get your drain flowing again. Trust that you can rely on us for blocked drain issues in Sydney. 

Reach out to us at 0412 056 027 for booking and enquiries. With Link Plumbing, you don’t have to wait until it’s too late.