Unitywater is urging Noosa households to add ‘check for leaks’ to their holiday to-do list, as hidden water leaks continue to drive unexpectedly high water bills across the region.
The call comes after Unitywater identified more than 4,500 customers across its service area – including Noosa – with higher-than-normal water usage this year, a strong indicator that water may be leaking out of sight somewhere on their property.
Unitywater Executive Manager Customer Experience, Katherine Gee, said concealed leaks are often invisible and silent, going unnoticed until they cause property damage or result in a shock bill.
“Concealed leaks such as those underneath driveways, in walls or underground can waste thousands of litres of water every day, and that ultimately shows up on your water bill,” Ms Gee said.
“We recently assisted a customer who had a concealed leak beneath their driveway. Plumbing repairs cost around $1,300, but their Unitywater bill was almost $9,000.
“We know how stressful these situations can be, particularly for families, and the best way to avoid a large bill is by doing regular, simple leak checks – especially during the holiday period when routines change.”
Ms Gee said Noosa residents should keep an eye out for warning signs such as damp or discoloured patches on walls or ceilings, squishy sections of garden, patches of lawn that are noticeably greener or longer than the rest, or swimming pools that seem to lose water quickly even when the weather is mild.
Customers who have repaired a concealed leak may be eligible for a one-off Concealed Leak Allowance, which can help offset some of the excess water charges.
Unitywater encourages all Noosa residents to carry out a quick meter test at home and to contact a licensed plumber if a leak is suspected.
For Unitywater’s full guide on detecting water leaks, visit www.unitywater.com/sneaky-leaks
How to check for leaks at home:
– Turn off all taps and water-using appliances.
– Read your water meter and write down the numbers.
– Don’t use any water for one hour (not even a toilet flush).
– Check the meter again after one hour.
If the numbers have changed, you may have a leak – contact a licensed plumber.
