Standpipe Services - Water Carter

Singleton Council supplies drinking water to the township via reticulated water mains, but many rural properties lie outside this area of supply and rely on alternative means of capturing and storing water.

Private water carting companies draw treated water from two fixed standpipes and deliver it for various purposes, including:

  • Drinking water for residential or commercial properties
  • Livestock drinking water
  • Dust suppression on construction or mine sites

Council regulates access to these standpipes in order to protect the security of town water supply, and also protect the health of end users of the water supplied by water carters. It does this under the Local Government Act, 1993, the Public Health Act, 2010 and the Food Act, 2003, and their associated regulations.

Council provides this service through the application of its POL/10066 Water Carters Policy, which sets out the requirements to be met before approval to draw water will be granted. For water carters supplying potable water to end users, the Policy sets out the details required, including:

  • Quality Assurance Programs (QAPs)
  • Tank, hose and fitting specifications
  • Backflow prevention devices
  • Cleaning and maintenance of tanks, hoses and fittings
  • Disposal of water after cleaning
  • Logbooks
  • Annual compliance inspections

Access to Council’s fixed standpipes is controlled by the issue of access cards to approved vehicles. Approvals are granted for a five-year period, with annual inspection of the vehicle, and can be suspended or cancelled in the event of non-compliance with the requirements of the Policy.

Water Carter Application

Application for a water standpipe key can be made by completing a Water Carter Application Form.

As per Councils Water and Sewer Customer Service Plan - Levels of Service, non-potable water carter applications will be processed within 10 working days from date of payment of applicable fees and/or all reasonable terms and conditions imposed by Council are complied with. Potable water carter applications will be processed within 20 workings days to allow for additional NSW Health requirements and approval of Council’s Environmental Health Officer.

Council’s POL/10066 Water Carters Policy outlines the supporting information required and the responsibilities of those who access the water tanker bulk filling stations or standpipes.

 

Fees and Charges

Water standpipe access cards are issued per vehicle and are purchased in accordance with Council’s annual Fees and Charges.

Water usage accounts are set up by Council prior to accessing water from standpipes. Water usage is invoiced by Council to the account holder monthly. 

More information on Water Carters and Standpipes is available by contacting Singleton Council's Water and Sewer Group on T 02 6578 7290 or email council@singleton.nsw.gov.au.

 

Water Standpipes

Council has two permanent bulk water filling facilities, commonly referred to as standpipes across the Local Government Area. These units enable water to be drawn from the water main directly into a water truck or tanker. The metered standpipe provides bulk supplies faster, while volume data inputs regulate the amount of water required. These standpipes are available 24 hours a day and are located at:

  • Works Depot – 39 Maison Dieu Road Gowrie, and
  • Water and Sewer Depot – Water Works Lane, Glenridding

Operators registered with Council are issued a standpipe access card to operate the system. By providing this service, Council controls who draws water from our system and can ensure their equipment is safe by undertaking annual vehicle inspections and prevents potential public health risks associated with the contamination of the treated water supply.

Please note, the use of portable metered standpipes is not permitted within Singleton Council’s Water Supply Network, which extends to Singleton, Mount Thorley, Jerrys Plains and Broke. Portable metered standpipes provided by other Water Authorities, including Hunter Water and Sydney Water, are not permitted within Singleton Council’s Water Supply Network. Use of such standpipes is considered water theft.

 

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