SA Water will take over management of Coober Pedy’s water network in a move expected to significantly reduce the town’s notoriously high water bills.
Residents currently pay at least three times the state average for water, largely due to the ageing infrastructure, which is frequently affected by leaks.
The mains water system, originally built in the 1970s, relies on bore water and has long posed reliability and cost challenges for the opal‑mining township.
Coober Pedy Council principal administrator Pat Conlon says the council is relieved the State Government will assume responsibility for the water infrastructure.
He says the transition will help deliver a more reliable water supply, while easing pressure on the council as it manages ongoing financial challenges.
The takeover is expected to be completed before the end of the year, with repairs to damaged pipes to begin shortly after.
