Current restrictions: There are no current restrictions

Gunnedah Shire Council introduced its Water Restriction Policy during the 2002/03 drought to help the urban community understand the challenges faced by rural areas and to encourage the conservation of our precious water resources.

At the December 2023 Ordinary Meeting, Council updated its water conservation levels as part of a regional review across the Namoi Region. The goal of this review was to create a consistent set of water restriction rules for all Namoi Councils. This approach reduces confusion and ensures clear, simple communication across the region. As part of these changes, the permanent conservation level was removed by Namoi Water Alliance member councils in October 2023 and adopted by Council in December 2023.

Water restrictions in Gunnedah Shire are based on a common framework adopted by the Namoi Water Alliance. This consistency makes it easier for residents in Gunnedah, Curlewis, Mullaley, and Tambar Springs to understand and follow water-saving measures.

Click here for more details about all water conservations levels.

Find more information about water and charges via the links below:

• Rates
• Water Saving Strategies
• Your Water and Sewer Charges
• Drinking Water Monitoring Reports

Water Meters FAQs

What type of water meter is in use in the Gunnedah Shire Local Government Area (LGA)?

Gunnedah Shire Council have installed Smart Water Meters.

When were the water meters changed to Smart Water Meter technology?

Smart Water Meter technology was originally installed by in 2019 to replace ageing infrastructure.

How is the project funded? How many water meters were installed?

4600 households and businesses had Smart Water Meters installed to replace ageing infrastructure and improve water monitoring. 

Where in the Gunnedah Shire LGA were the Smart Water Meter technology installed?

Gunnedah, Curlewis, Mullaley and Tambar Springs.

Why were the Smart Water Meters installed in the Gunnedah Shire LGA?

Water meters play a critical role in the conservation of water by tracking leaks, illegal water use and providing timely data on overall water use.

How do Smart Water Meters work?

The Smart Water Meters offer close to real-time monitoring of water use. Council uses a web-based management tool - Aqualus WATER - to constantly measure volumetric use and identify water leaks, ultimately reducing water bills and operational costs.

Where there any issues with these Smart Water Meters when they were installed?

The Smart Water Meters were first installed in 2019. In 2023, issues were identified with the 20mm sized meters. Council began a replacement program shortly after, which was completed in late 2025.

What was the issue identified with the Smart Water Meters?

The Smart Water Meters were found to be returning low or zero readings, which meant some residents were undercharged for their actual water consumption. The 20mm Smart Water Meter was the only meter type affected by the issue. There were no incidents of overcharging due to faulty meters.

Did all the Smart Water Meters need to be replaced?

All 20mm Smart Water Meters were changed from the digital V200 to mechanical V100. No other size meters needed to be replaced.

Did the property owner need to pay for the replacement Smart Water Meter?

No, there was no charge to the property owner.

Was the property owner notified if their Smart Water Meter needed to be replaced?

Council included information on the website, Facebook and via letter box drops to affected residents (following replacement of water meter).

Do the new Smart water meters cause breakages?

No, a water meter is a mechanical device designed solely to measure water consumption and does not have the capacity to increase water pressure or cause damage to pipework.

Click here to download the Fast Facts - Water Meters.pdf