Public Notice - Authorised standpipe access only for Council water use

Published on 13 November 2026

Public Notice - Water.jpg

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is reminding residents, contractors and businesses that anyone requiring access to bulk water must first obtain Council approval and hire an authorised standpipe.

Water may only be drawn from Council's reticulated water supply through a Council-approved standpipe fitted to hydrants at designated locations.

Taking water without approval is unlawful and may result in significant penalties. Authorised standpipes enable Council to:

  • Maintain reliable water pressure for residents, businesses and emergency services;
  • Protect the integrity of Council's water supply infrastructure;
  • Manage water consumption across the network;
  • Accurately measure and charge for water use; and
  • Ensure the fair and equitable delivery of water services across the Shire.

Council has recently become aware of instances where water is being taken through unauthorised standpipes that have not been issued by Council and cannot be measured or accounted for.

Residents and contractors are reminded that under Section 195 of the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008, a person must not take water from a service provider's infrastructure without the service provider's written approval.

Breaches of the legislation may attract penalties of up to 1,000 penalty units.

Unpaid infringement notices issued by Council may be referred to the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) for recovery.

Council will continue to monitor the use of water infrastructure across the Shire and encourages anyone needing water for construction, earthworks, landscaping, dust suppression or other commercial and private purposes to contact Council and arrange an approved standpipe permit before taking water from the network.

For information on hiring an approved standpipe or obtaining authorisation to access water from Council infrastructure, contact Hinchinbrook Shire Council on (07) 4776 4600 or visit https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/Roads-Water-and-Waste/Water/Fire-hydrants-and-standpipes.

LALJI RATHOD
Acting Chief Executive Officer

 

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