💧 Water Resources in Morangup – What Every Resident Should Know
Morangup has no access to scheme (mains) drinking water. Every household must manage its own supply using rainwater tanks, bore water, delivered water, and smart reuse systems. If you’re new to the area (or just need a refresher), here’s what you must know about living without connected potable water in a bushfire-prone zone.
💡 New to the area? Our New to Morangup guide has more helpful tips on managing water in tank-based homes, including local reticulated scheme details and emergency contacts for when supplies run low + stacks more info about Morangup.
🚱 No Scheme Water – What Does That Mean?
There are no Water Corporation pipelines servicing Morangup. Each property must be self-sufficient — with tanks, pumps, plumbing, filtration, and firefighting fittings all managed on-site. You're fully responsible for your own water security — especially during dry spells and emergencies.
🧭 Legacy Water Schemes (Non-Potable)
Water supplied by Non Water Corporation water supply system are typically non-potable and must not be used for drinking or food preparation. In accordance with regulatory requirements, all outlets must display signage or tagging indicating this status.
If your water supply is non-potable, it means the water has come from a non-potable, or non-drinking, water source. Water Corporation provides non-potable water to be used as a supplementary water supply. It is not intended to be your primary water supply. READMORE Non-potable water supply
🔸 Regal Hill Non-Potable Supply
🏡 Regal Hill Water Supply Inc. – Community-Managed Non-Potable System
Water supplied by the Regal Hill Water Supply system is non-potable and must not be used for drinking or food preparation.
Established in 1991 as part of the original subdivision agreement with the Shire of Toodyay, the Regal Hill Water Supply Inc. is a not-for-profit association maintained by local residents to provide shared, non-potable water for building and fire safety purposes across the estate.
🛠️ System Overview
The system sources water from a creek flowing through the south-east corner of the estate. Water is pumped to a central dam at Lot 206 Red Brook Circle, distributed via underground infrastructure, and held in tanks at:
- Lot 270 Red Brook Circle – 91,000L holding tank + auxiliary pumping station (top of the hill)
- Lot 273 Brook Close – Creek intake and pumping infrastructure
📋 Resident Responsibilities
- 💧 Use water wisely — this is a shared resource.
- 🔧 Maintain all connections and pipework on your side of the boundary. The committee maintains supply up to the gate.
- 📣 Report supply issues or abnormal performance to the committee promptly.
Download a list of local plumbing contacts for emergency maintenance (coming soon).
⛔ Restrictors & Pressure
To ensure equitable distribution, each lot is fitted with a 1.5mm restrictor at the main gate connection. Tampering with the restrictor will result in a fine.
Ten higher-elevation lots are also supported by an auxiliary pump to compensate for reduced gravity-fed pressure.
🚱 Non-Potable Status & Tap Tagging
Important: The water is classified as non-potable and not suitable for drinking.
In compliance with Water Authorities regulations, all external taps and outlets connected to the Regal Hill water system should be tagged with “not for drinking” warning labels. Tags are available at a small cost from the Committee.
💰 Annual Subscriptions
Each lot owner contributes an annual fee to cover infrastructure maintenance and electricity costs. As of 2024–2025:
- Annual subscription: $TBA
- Reviewed annually at the AGM in line with CPI and member vote
👥 The Committee
The system is overseen by the Regal Hill Water Supply Inc. Committee, consisting of:
- Chairperson
- Vice Chairperson
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- 4–6 general members (plus maintenance support volunteers)
Monthly meetings are held at the Morangup Community Centre on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 PM. AGM is held annually in early August at the Morangup Community Hall, Wallaby Way.
📬 Contact
💬 For general enquiries or issues, please contact the Committee via email:
admin@regalhillwatersupply.com.au
Postal Address:
Regal Hill Water Supply Inc.
Lot 206 Red Brook Circle
Morangup, WA 6083
- Servicing parts of the Regal Hill Estate
- Delivers non-potable water only via gravity and local pumping station/s
- Properties connected pay a fixed annual fee (not usage-based)
- ❌ Not suitable for drinking or food preparation
- ✅ Can be used for gardens or fire water storage
Regal Hill - Regal Hill Water Supply
🔸 Rolling Green Water Supply (Original Blocks)
- Services some older Rolling Green properties
- Water is pumped weekly in a limited supply
- Only available to homes originally connected
- Also billed at a fixed annual rate
- ❌ Again, not fit for drinking
- ⚠️ Supply interruptions or shortfalls do occur in dry months
Rolling Green Conservation Assoc. Inc. Rolling Green Water supply
Contact Andrew or Lisa Atwill Ph. 9572 9201
Residents of both areas should still rely on rainwater tanks for drinking, and fire-ready tanks for emergency reserves.
Most households in Morangup operate with bores and rainwater tanks. Careful management is required to make this last until the next rain season (usually Winter). Should your tank water run out, water can be transported to you by local water carriers. NB: WATER CARTAGE WAIT TIMES APPLY IN HIGH DEMAND PERIODS...CHECK AND BOOK EARLY
💦 Bore Water – Useful, But MOST TYPICALLY NOT for Drinking
Most bore water in Morangup is not safe for human consumption without appropriate testing and filtration. It’s often high in minerals, nitrates, or microbial contaminants. In fact, studies in the Darling Range have shown elevated radon levels exceeding 100 Bq/m³, which is considered a potential health risk under international drinking water guidelines.
☢️ Morangup sits atop extensive Bauxite and lateritic formations common to the eastern Darling Scarp. These geology layers are known to contain elevated concentrations of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM), including uranium, thorium, and their decay products like radium, thoron, and radon. As underground water moves through these mineralised zones, it can carry trace levels of radionuclides and other inorganic contaminants.
For properties using bore water, it is strongly recommended to conduct comprehensive water quality testing including for radionuclides, heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants. The Australian Water Quality Centre (AWQC) offers radiation testing services specifically for bore and groundwater supplies.
That said, when properly tested, treated, and maintained, bore water can still be a practical and sustainable resource for:
- Garden irrigation and lawn retic
- Livestock watering (after appropriate safety clearance)
- Toilet flushing or washing machine use in dual plumbing systems
✅ Always test your bore water at least annually. Trusted labs such as ALS Global, Intertek, and AWQC can provide a full analysis for both chemical and radioactive contaminants.
🌧️ Rainwater – The Primary Source for Drinking
Rainwater tanks are the most reliable potable source in Morangup. Ensure yours includes:
- Food-grade construction (plastic or steel)
- Leaf guards and first-flush diverters
- A UV or multi-stage filtration system
- Clean roof catchment and regular maintenance
💧 Aim for 90,000L minimum capacity per full-time household to stay secure through dry periods.
♻️ Greywater Reuse – Saving Every Drop
Smart reuse of greywater (from washing machines, showers, etc.) can help preserve your drinking water for where it counts:
- ✅ Use on ornamental gardens, trees, or lawn
- ✅ Choose systems with sediment filters
- ❌ Don’t use greywater on edible crops or store untreated water
- ❌ Never allow untreated greywater to pool or enter waterways
Pro Tip: Greywater diverters and surge tanks are cost-effective, but go with council-approved systems for best results.
🔧 Pumps, Plumbing & Pressure Systems
- Install a backup power source (solar or generator)
- Keep pumps in fire-shielded enclosures
- Consider gravity-fed header tanks for blackout resilience
- Use licensed plumbers for pressure, filtration, and dual-plumbing setups
⚖️ Gravity vs. Pressure – 6 of one, half a dozen of the other
- Gravity systems still need a catchment tank and a pump to move water uphill
- You’ll still need power during rain events to pump up
- You rely on elevation for flow, not pressure
- Once the top tank’s empty, you’re done until it’s pumped again
- ✅ Great for emergency trickle taps and toilets
- ❌ Not ideal for showers, washing machines, or sprinklers
Treat gravity systems as a backup, not your main supply.
🔥 Fire Safety, Tank Setup & Defensible Space
🔒 Tank Safety & Placement
- Use metal or reinforced poly tanks that withstand radiant heat
- Place tanks in cleared areas, with no overhanging trees
- Maintain a 3–6m defensible buffer zone around tanks
- Use protected or metal pipework — not exposed PVC
🔩 Fire-Ready Fittings
- Install a 50mm male camlock brass outlet
- Ensure it’s clearly marked and road-accessible
- Keep hoses and fire gear accessible year-round
🌱 Fire-Safe Landscaping & Mulching Tips
- ✅ Use succulents, groundcovers, or fire-retardant natives within 6m of the home
- ✅ Maintain a low-fuel zone with regular pruning
- ✅ Prefer pigface, lomandra, sedges, or other low-oil species
- ✅ Use coarse mulch like gravel, rock, or composted fines
- ❌ Avoid straw, pine bark, eucalyptus and tea tree mulch near structures
🔥 Treat your garden like a firebreak — beautiful and functional.
🪣 Tank Refills, Top-Ups & Rural Extras
Running low? These services can help with:
- 🛢️ Rainwater tank top-ups
- 🐄 Livestock water tanks
- 🏊♀️ Swimming pool fills
- 🔥 Fire-prep reserve tanks
🚛 Water Cartage Contractors – Servicing Morangup
-
✅ Avon Valley Water Cartage – 0418 904 525 (Toodyay)
-
✅ Gidge Water Cartage – 0427 711 478 (Gidgegannup)
-
✅ Toodyay Water Carting – 0457 636 011 (Toodyay)
-
✅ Hills Water Carting – 0418 948 973 (Toodyay)
-
✅ Aquarius Water Carting – 0427 742 043 (Bejoording)
-
✅
Chidlow Water Carriers
– Stoneville (services Morangup)
-
✅ Last Drop Water Carriers – Lower Chittering
-
✅ Chittering Rural Water Supply – (08) 9571 1459 (Bullsbrook)
-
✅ Alua Pty Ltd – 0433 118 437 (Henley Brook – 24hr)
🔔 Book early – demand spikes during summer and fire season.
🧠 Final Tips & Local Advice
- ✅ Clean gutters and roofs quarterly
- ✅ Service filters and pump systems annually
- ✅ Join the Morangup Residents Group for tips and referrals
- ✅ Maintain defensible zones around tanks and buildings
- ✅ Plan backups for local water supply shortfalls
🏡 Regal Hill Water Supply Inc. – Community-Managed Non-Potable System
Water supplied by the Regal Hill Water Supply system is non-potable and must not be used for drinking or food preparation.
Established in 1991 as part of the original subdivision agreement with the Shire of Toodyay, the Regal Hill Water Supply Inc. is a not-for-profit association maintained by local residents to provide shared, non-potable water for building and fire safety purposes across the estate.
🛠️ System Overview
The system sources water from a creek flowing through the south-east corner of the estate. Water is pumped to a central dam at Lot 206 Red Brook Circle, distributed via underground infrastructure, and held in tanks at:
- Lot 270 Red Brook Circle – 91,000L holding tank + auxiliary pumping station (top of the hill)
- Lot 273 Brook Close – Creek intake and pumping infrastructure
📋 Resident Responsibilities
- 💧 Use water wisely — this is a shared resource.
- 🔧 Maintain all connections and pipework on your side of the boundary. The committee maintains supply up to the gate.
- 📣 Report supply issues or abnormal performance to the committee promptly.
Download a list of local plumbing contacts for emergency maintenance (coming soon).
⛔ Restrictors & Pressure
To ensure equitable distribution, each lot is fitted with a 1.5mm restrictor at the main gate connection. Tampering with the restrictor will result in a fine.
Ten higher-elevation lots are also supported by an auxiliary pump to compensate for reduced gravity-fed pressure.
🚱 Non-Potable Status & Tap Tagging
Important: The water is classified as non-potable and not suitable for drinking.
In compliance with Water Authorities regulations, all external taps and outlets connected to the Regal Hill water system should be tagged with “not for drinking” warning labels. Tags are available at a small cost from the Committee.
💰 Annual Subscriptions
Each lot owner contributes an annual fee to cover infrastructure maintenance and electricity costs. As of 2024–2025:
- Annual subscription: $TBA
- Reviewed annually at the AGM in line with CPI and member vote
👥 The Committee
The system is overseen by the Regal Hill Water Supply Inc. Committee, consisting of:
- Chairperson
- Vice Chairperson
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- 4–6 general members (plus maintenance support volunteers)
Monthly meetings are held at the Morangup Community Centre on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 PM. AGM is held annually in early August at the Morangup Community Hall, Wallaby Way.
📬 Contact
💬 For general enquiries or issues, please contact the Committee via email:
admin@regalhillwatersupply.com.au
Postal Address:
Regal Hill Water Supply Inc.
Lot 206 Red Brook Circle
Morangup, WA 6083
- Servicing parts of the Regal Hill Estate
- Delivers non-potable water only via gravity and local pumping station/s
- Properties connected pay a fixed annual fee (not usage-based)
- ❌ Not suitable for drinking or food preparation
- ✅ Can be used for gardens or fire water storage
- Regal Hill - Regal Hill Water Supply
- Services some older Rolling Green properties
- Water is pumped weekly in a limited supply
- Only available to homes originally connected
- Also billed at a fixed annual rate
- ❌ Again, not fit for drinking
- ⚠️ Supply interruptions or shortfalls do occur in dry months
🔸 Rolling Green Water Supply (Original Blocks)
Rolling Green Conservation Assoc. Inc. Rolling Green Water supply
Contact Andrew or Lisa Atwill Ph. 9572 9201
Residents of both areas should still rely on rainwater tanks for drinking, and fire-ready tanks for emergency reserves.
Most households in Morangup operate with bores and rainwater tanks. Careful management is required to make this last until the next rain season (usually Winter). Should your tank water run out, water can be transported to you by local water carriers. NB: WATER CARTAGE WAIT TIMES APPLY IN HIGH DEMAND PERIODS...CHECK AND BOOK EARLY
💦 Bore Water – Useful, But MOST TYPICALLY NOT for Drinking
Most bore water in Morangup is not safe for human consumption without appropriate testing and filtration. It’s often high in minerals, nitrates, or microbial contaminants. In fact, studies in the Darling Range have shown elevated radon levels exceeding 100 Bq/m³, which is considered a potential health risk under international drinking water guidelines.
☢️ Morangup sits atop extensive Bauxite and lateritic formations common to the eastern Darling Scarp. These geology layers are known to contain elevated concentrations of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM), including uranium, thorium, and their decay products like radium, thoron, and radon. As underground water moves through these mineralised zones, it can carry trace levels of radionuclides and other inorganic contaminants.
For properties using bore water, it is strongly recommended to conduct comprehensive water quality testing including for radionuclides, heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants. The Australian Water Quality Centre (AWQC) offers radiation testing services specifically for bore and groundwater supplies.
That said, when properly tested, treated, and maintained, bore water can still be a practical and sustainable resource for:
- Garden irrigation and lawn retic
- Livestock watering (after appropriate safety clearance)
- Toilet flushing or washing machine use in dual plumbing systems
✅ Always test your bore water at least annually. Trusted labs such as ALS Global, Intertek, and AWQC can provide a full analysis for both chemical and radioactive contaminants.
🌧️ Rainwater – The Primary Source for Drinking
Rainwater tanks are the most reliable potable source in Morangup. Ensure yours includes:
- Food-grade construction (plastic or steel)
- Leaf guards and first-flush diverters
- A UV or multi-stage filtration system
- Clean roof catchment and regular maintenance
💧 Aim for 90,000L minimum capacity per full-time household to stay secure through dry periods.
♻️ Greywater Reuse – Saving Every Drop
Smart reuse of greywater (from washing machines, showers, etc.) can help preserve your drinking water for where it counts:
- ✅ Use on ornamental gardens, trees, or lawn
- ✅ Choose systems with sediment filters
- ❌ Don’t use greywater on edible crops or store untreated water
- ❌ Never allow untreated greywater to pool or enter waterways
Pro Tip: Greywater diverters and surge tanks are cost-effective, but go with council-approved systems for best results.
🔧 Pumps, Plumbing & Pressure Systems
- Install a backup power source (solar or generator)
- Keep pumps in fire-shielded enclosures
- Consider gravity-fed header tanks for blackout resilience
- Use licensed plumbers for pressure, filtration, and dual-plumbing setups
⚖️ Gravity vs. Pressure – 6 of one, half a dozen of the other
- Gravity systems still need a catchment tank and a pump to move water uphill
- You’ll still need power during rain events to pump up
- You rely on elevation for flow, not pressure
- Once the top tank’s empty, you’re done until it’s pumped again
- ✅ Great for emergency trickle taps and toilets
- ❌ Not ideal for showers, washing machines, or sprinklers
Treat gravity systems as a backup, not your main supply.
🔥 Fire Safety, Tank Setup & Defensible Space
🔒 Tank Safety & Placement
- Use metal or reinforced poly tanks that withstand radiant heat
- Place tanks in cleared areas, with no overhanging trees
- Maintain a 3–6m defensible buffer zone around tanks
- Use protected or metal pipework — not exposed PVC
🔩 Fire-Ready Fittings
- Install a 50mm male camlock brass outlet
- Ensure it’s clearly marked and road-accessible
- Keep hoses and fire gear accessible year-round
🌱 Fire-Safe Landscaping & Mulching Tips
- ✅ Use succulents, groundcovers, or fire-retardant natives within 6m of the home
- ✅ Maintain a low-fuel zone with regular pruning
- ✅ Prefer pigface, lomandra, sedges, or other low-oil species
- ✅ Use coarse mulch like gravel, rock, or composted fines
- ❌ Avoid straw, pine bark, eucalyptus and tea tree mulch near structures
🔥 Treat your garden like a firebreak — beautiful and functional.
🪣 Tank Refills, Top-Ups & Rural Extras
Running low? These services can help with:
- 🛢️ Rainwater tank top-ups
- 🐄 Livestock water tanks
- 🏊♀️ Swimming pool fills
- 🔥 Fire-prep reserve tanks
🚛 Water Cartage Contractors – Servicing Morangup
- ✅ Avon Valley Water Cartage – 0418 904 525 (Toodyay)
- ✅ Gidge Water Cartage – 0427 711 478 (Gidgegannup)
- ✅ Toodyay Water Carting – 0457 636 011 (Toodyay)
- ✅ Hills Water Carting – 0418 948 973 (Toodyay)
- ✅ Aquarius Water Carting – 0427 742 043 (Bejoording)
- ✅ Chidlow Water Carriers – Stoneville (services Morangup)
- ✅ Last Drop Water Carriers – Lower Chittering
- ✅ Chittering Rural Water Supply – (08) 9571 1459 (Bullsbrook)
- ✅ Alua Pty Ltd – 0433 118 437 (Henley Brook – 24hr)
🔔 Book early – demand spikes during summer and fire season.
🧠 Final Tips & Local Advice
- ✅ Clean gutters and roofs quarterly
- ✅ Service filters and pump systems annually
- ✅ Join the Morangup Residents Group for tips and referrals
- ✅ Maintain defensible zones around tanks and buildings
- ✅ Plan backups for local water supply shortfalls