Non-standard water pressure

Water Corporation is issued with a Water Services Licence by the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) under the Water Services Act 2012. The operating licence outlines minimum service and performance standards.

As per the Water Services Licence, we are required to provide customers standard water pressure between 15 to 100 metres head (mH) in the Perth metropolitan area and 13 to 100mH in regional areas. Metres head is the measurement used to determine water pressure, which refers to the height water can rise vertically when a connection is made to a pipe.

Customers who receive water pressure outside the standard pressure range are exempt from the requirements of the licence and are responsible for managing their own water pressure.

Your water pressure is checked at the water meter, however your pressure may vary at different points on your property.

For an exact pressure reading, please contact a waterwise plumber for an on-site test.

Pressure is the force which pushes water through pipes and determines the flow of water from the tap. It can vary due varies due to the topography of the land, water flow and age of the scheme.

The amount of pressure at your tap depends on how high the service reservoir or water tower is above your home. Properties at the top of a hill may have a different pressure to properties lower on the hill. High pressure can be a result of being lower on a hill and/or situated below a reservoir or water tower.

A water pressure exemption notification is included on your Landgate Property Interest Report. This helps prospective buyers determine if a property receives non standard water pressure.

A notification is sent to new owners when we are notified of a change of ownership. A bill message is also included on your Water Corporation bill and you may receive a reminder notification annually.

Plumbing fixtures and household appliances are designed to operate within particular water pressure specifications. Damage can be caused to pipes and appliances where water pressure specifications are exceeded.

High water pressure can increase the occurrence of leaks and bursts. It can also potentially shorten the life of appliances and plumbing fixtures. 

High water pressure may also cause excessive noise in your water pipes.

If you are interested in reducing the water pressure inside your home, but not to other areas of your property i.e. reticulation, we recommend discussing your options with a certified plumber. You can find a waterwise plumber via our Waterwise specialists tool.

If you are interested in reducing the water pressure to your entire property, please register your details and we'll contact you to discuss your options.

Please note: Work is underway in some high pressure areas to reduce water pressure to a standard level. Find out if you're in an area being investigated or pressure managed on our water pressure management map.

The effects of low pressure are fairly obvious when you turn on your tap. The biggest effect is the flow rate of your water supply. For example, it will take you longer to fill up a bath or sink compared to someone with higher pressure.

If you are interested in increasing the water pressure inside your home, we recommend discussing your options with a certified plumber. You can search for a waterwise plumber via our Waterwise specialists tool.

A pressure reduction valve (PRV) reduces water pressure from the water supply main. Water entering the valve is constricted within the valve body and controlled by an adjustable spring which can provide a consistent water pressure up to 50 meters head (mH). This pressure range aligns with industry plumbing standards for domestic appliances.

Installing a PRV will reduce the water pressure to your entire property; the effects won’t be isolated just to your house. We recommend checking your reticulation systems to ensure adequate sprinkler coverage.

Customers with a PRV installed will have this noted on their customer account, but will still see a high water pressure message on their bill.

The life expectancy of the PRV is about five years. As the PRV starts to decline, over time customers may notice a change in water pressure in the household taps, fixtures and garden reticulation system.

Should you experience any significant increase in your water pressure at any time, contact Service faults, emergencies and security on 13 13 75, available 24 hours, seven days a week.