Wellington East Water System Changeover
May/June 2026- Update
We're pleased to share an update with the Wellington East community
Our construction works are nearing completion! Our teams have successfully cleaned and disinfected the network, thoroughly scouring all mains removing long-term debris, and have replaced all water meters. We are now entering the water quality testing phase. SA Water will begin taking samples from various locations within Wellington East over a number of consecutive weeks to assess water quality and confirm when it is safe to drink.
You may notice that the water appears clearer and cleaner. However, please do not drink the water yet, as testing has not been finalised.
What you need to do
Continue to run any taps connected to the water network for 2–3 minutes every few days to help flush out any remaining untreated or potentially contaminated water from your plumbing. Owners must ensure their entire plumbing system is flushed thoroughly.
What happens next?
- SA Water and SA Health will review all water quality results
- Upon approval from SA Health, we will advise you when the water is safe to drink once testing is complete
- We will confirm a transition date (currently aiming for the end of June, subject to testing outcomes)
- SA Water staff will read your new meters and set your starting point
- You will then become SA Water customers, and billing will commence
- We will send you a final notification with further details in the coming weeks
If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Care Centre on 1300 729 283. or email project@sawater.com.au
April/May 2026- Billing Update
We’re pleased to share an update on the billing transition of your water services from the Coorong District Council to SA Water.
As part of this process, raw water meter replacements in Wellington East will begin in early May. These upgrades are an important step in preparing for your transition to SA Water.
What this means for you
Even after your meter is replaced, you will remain a Council‑billed supply charge customer until 30 June 2026. We will take a final meter read at the time of replacement which will be used to determine your total usage and prepare your final account.
Council has advised that:
- they will take a final meter read at the time your water meter is replaced.
- from 1 July, Council will no longer issue any water supply charges for the new financial year.
After your meter is replaced
We’ll still be working to clean and prepare the water network. This includes:
- Flushing and cleaning the network
- Disinfecting the system
- Waiting for SA Health to complete testing and confirm the water is safe to drink
This process can be anywhere between 4-6 weeks.
We’ll only begin billing once the network has been formally certified as drinking water by SA Health. This means there will be a period between your meter being replaced and the certification date where you won’t be charged for water usage.
Once the certification date is confirmed, we’ll provide clear advice on when billing will start. Please note the water will still be unsafe to drink during this period until all required testing is complete.
Billing transition to SA Water
Once the water is confirmed safe to drink from SA Health, we’ll:
- take an initial meter read to set your new starting point
- begin billing for water usage
- send all residents a welcome letter outlining their new bill, payment arrangements, and other important information.
Key dates:
- Water meter replacements begin: Early May 2026
- Final Council meter read: When water meter replacement occurs
- Transition to SA Water: From certification date (pending SA Health approval)
- SA Water begins charging for water use: From certification date (pending SA Health approval)
If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Care Centre on 1300 729 283.
We’re pleased to inform you that the water supply system in Wellington East is undergoing a significant upgrade, with services transitioning to SA Water. This changeover is part of a broader initiative to enhance water quality, reliability, and long-term infrastructure support for the community.
What's changing
The current water supply system in Wellington East operates through drawing raw water from the River Murray, meaning its untreated and undrinkable. As part of the transition to SA Water, the community will soon be connected to our water main located along Princes Highway bringing improved reliability and quality to your water service.
When it's happening
Construction works will take place from January 2026 through to June/July 2026. Please refer to the project timeline for key milestones and the latest updates.
Standard construction hours will be Monday to Friday 7am-5pm. Please note if the weather makes conditions unsafe, we may need to delay or change the days we work.
What you need to know
If your raw‑water supply needs to be interrupted, you will receive a notice in your letterbox or at your front door at least four business days in advance. We will also be replacing raw water meters with new SA Water meters.
Additional updates will be provided at every key stage of the project, including any actions residents may need to take.
You may notice some additional noise, dust, or temporary road closures in the area while our crews are working. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
After mains cleaning and disinfection
Once this stage is complete, we will conduct water‑quality testing for a minimum of 4–6 weeks. During this time, your raw water may appear clear, but it is not safe for consumption until SA Health formally approves the quality.
When approval is granted, we will deliver a final notification to confirm that water is safe for consumption.
New connections: At this stage, the council has directed us to focus on completing the works and commissioning the existing water mains network. Once the mains are operational and water quality testing has been successfully completed, customers who are not currently connected but wish to be will be able to apply for a property connection through our SA Water Connections team: SAWater - Applying for a connection
The project is currently scheduled for completion in June/July 2026.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work to improve Wellington East’s water infrastructure.