Faults
Sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances, such as a water main break or other system issue, that lead to a water outage. If this occurs, we place a notification on this page and provide an estimated repair time.
Current water outages
Properties in the following suburbs may be experiencing low pressure or a water outage due to a fault or planned works.
Simply click on the icon on the map below for further information. You can also zoom in and out by using the + and - tools in the top left corner of the map. You can also use the search function using the top right search symbol within the map to find your address.
| Suburb | Time | Issue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens areas | 05:00pm | Water Quality | Hunter Water is aware of the increase in a naturally occurring compound known as MIB (Methyl-Isoborneol) and another called geosmin in some parts of the water supply network which can cause water to have an earthy or musty taste and odour. There are no adverse health effects associated with MIB or geosmin and tap water remains safe to drink. To improve removal of MIB at Grahamstown Water Treatment Plant, Hunter Water is dosing water with powdered activated carbon (PAC). However, there may be some residual levels remaining that some customers can taste. There is no risk to public health. When MIB or geosmin are noticeable, customers can chill water in the refrigerator to improve the taste and reduce odours. |
Fault reported
Water supply issue reported.
Works in progress
Water outage in this area.
Completed works
Recently completed repairs.
Planned works
Work planned in this area.
No water and not showing on our map?
Our water is precious and our community is the eyes and ears of our water supply network. Your quick reporting of a water outage can help reduce water loss and wastage.
If you have no water or low water pressure report it immediately.
Types of water outages
Whilst we aim to provide a continuous, reliable water supply to our customers, there are times when the system is interrupted for emergency repairs, maintenance or new developments. There are two types of outages that occur:
Planned works
Planned works accommodate maintenance and new developments. Domestic customers will receive a notice in their letterbox at least two days prior to the planned works, while commercial customers will receive it seven days prior to the planned works.
Important information
Before planned works
You may wish to store sufficient water in bottles for drinking and water in buckets for flushing toilets. You may also like to speak to your plumber about options to meet your needs.
During faults and planned works
Hot water systems should not be operated during water faults and should be turned off to avoid possible damage.
After faults and planned water works
On resumption of the water supply, before turning the hot water system back on, a hot water tap should be turned on to flush out any air pockets from the pipes. When a consistent flow has returned, the hot water system can be turned back on and normal use resumed.
Dirty water after faults and planned works
We advise that you visually check the water prior to use. If it appears to be discoloured we suggest you turn on a tap and let it run for a couple of minutes to clear your pipe work. If it doesn't clear learn what to do.
Options for businesses to prepare for planned works
If you manage a business from your property and require a continuous water supply, it is recommended that you consider some of the following options:
- Maintain a supply of stored tap water on your premises
- Maintain a supply of bottled water on your premises
- Install a water storage tank
- Hire a portable toilet for the outage period
- Contact a water cartage business to maintain supply
- Having the name and contact details for a cartage business on hand is recommended
- Please note that if required for drinking purposes, the water cartage firm must now meet requirements under the Public Health Act.
For further information relating to the terms under which Hunter Water provide water supply please refer to our Customer Contract