GMB Water

Supporting the community and the environment through water recovery. A subsidiary of Mount Barker District Council.

Report faults 24/7: gmbwater.au/manage-your-service/report-an-issue

15/10/2026

📜💧Wastewater Through the Years in the Mount Barker District 📜💧

As our district has grown, so too has the infrastructure needed to protect public health, support development and care for our environment.

Here's a look back at some key milestones in the history of wastewater management in the Mount Barker district.

🕰️ A Timeline of Progress:

1994 | Planning for the Future
As Mount Barker was identified as a major growth area, planning began for significant upgrades to the district's wastewater treatment system. Reports at the time highlighted the need for expanded treatment capacity, environmental improvements and long-term infrastructure investment to support a growing population and reduce impacts on local waterways.

1995 | Growing Communities, Growing
Infrastructure
By 1995, discussions continued around how wastewater services would support the district's future development. Recognising growth early
helped set the foundation for the wastewater networks and treatment facilities that continue to serve our communities today.

2000 | Laratinga Wetlands Opens
A major environmental milestone was reached with the development of the Laratinga Wetlands. Described as a "world class" project, the wetlands were designed specifically to further purify treated wastewater before it was released into local waterways. The project attracted national and international interest and was recognised for its environmental, educational and recreational benefits. The wetlands not only helped improve water quality but also provided opportunities for the community and local schools to learn about sustainability and the water cycle.

💙 Do you remember when the Laratinga Wetlands opened or the early discussions about wastewater upgrades in Mount Barker?

You can read more about how the journey is continuing below 👇

12/10/2026

GMB Water has released its first ever Annual Report!

The 2025/26 Annual Report provides an overview of GMB Water's activities, achievements and performance over the last year, highlighting key developments across the organisation. 💦

You can read the Report here: https://shorturl.at/foHcG

09/10/2026

💧Does Your Septic Tank Smell After Desludging?

Many properties across the district rely on septic tanks that are connected to GMB Water’s Community Waste Management System (CWMS).

As part of GMB Water’s septic tank desludging program, tanks are periodically pumped out to help keep wastewater systems operating effectively. Following desludging, it is not uncommon to notice some unpleasant odours for a short period of time. 💩

This is because the tank’s natural microbiological activity needs time to rebuild after pumping. As the beneficial bacteria reestablish themselves, any temporary odours should gradually reduce.

However, if strong smells persist for an extended period, it may indicate an issue with your septic system that requires attention.

If you are experiencing ongoing odour problems or have concerns about your septic tank, please contact GMB Water for suggestions on how to look after your septic tank. 📞
www.gmbwater.au

18/09/2026

UPDATED
Road Closure Notice – Scarborough Way, Mount Glenn Estate

From Wednesday 23 September, Scarborough Way will be temporarily closed for up to two weeks to allow crews to crossover the road to install the new trunk main between Parkview Drive to the Bald Hills Road intersection.

What this means for you:
⛔Full closure at the Bald Hills Road connection point
🚧Please detour via Green Avenue to enter and exit Mount Glenn Estate
🕢Works will take place during dayshifts, Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 5:00pm

Scarborough Way will be repaved later, once trunk movements in the area have settled, to reduce the risk of damage to the new surface.
Thank you for your patience while we get this important work done.

15/09/2026

We are pleased to launch the GMB Water Strategic Plan 2026-2036, setting our direction for the next decade as we continue delivering sustainable wastewater services for our community.

The plan reflects the evolving needs of our customers and the Mount Barker district, while responding to future challenges and opportunities. It will guide our work to provide safe, reliable and environmentally responsible services that support
our growing region. 💦

You can read the Strategic Plan here: : https://gmbwater.au/about/news/strategic-plan

14/09/2026

🚧 Big things are taking shape at the new wastewater treatment plant!

Another busy week on site as construction continues to power ahead.
✅ More bioreactor concrete pours completed
✅ Balance Tank base slab tested and concrete poured
✅ Filling and water tightness testing underway of the first complete Bioreactor compartment

Why does this matter? 💧
The new wastewater treatment plant is being built to support our growing community, improve operational reliability, and provide modern infrastructure that will help protect our environment for years to come. Every pour, test and inspection brings us one step closer to a smarter, more resilient wastewater network.

And speaking of wastewater... 👀
We often hear the question: "Can you really tell what's being flushed?"
Let's just say the evidence doesn't stay hidden for long! Those so-called "flushable" wipes are still one of the biggest causes of blockages, pump failures and maintenance headaches in wastewater systems. Despite the label, they don't break down like toilet paper.

Myth or Truth?
"Flushable wipes are safe to flush."
❌ MYTH
The only things that should go down the toilet are the three Ps:
✅ P*e
✅ Poo
✅ (Toilet) Paper
Everything else belongs in the bin.

Keep an eye on our socials and website for updates and notifications on the project.

02/09/2026

⛔ HARTMANN ROAD TEMPORARY CLOSURE ⛔

From Monday 7 September, Hartmann Road will be closed to through traffic between Dean Street and Emerald Way roundabout for up to eight weeks, subject to weather and site conditions.
This is the final stage of the Eastern Sewer Trunk Main project. Crews will connect new sewer pipes to existing infrastructure on Emerald Way and decommission the Dean Street pump station.
Works will run Monday to Friday, 7am–5pm, with extended days and/or Saturday shifts implemented, if required.

What this means for you:
• Pedestrian and local access stays open throughout
• Light vehicles (cars, utes, small vans) will detour via Belmont Crescent, Douglas Drive and Dean Street
• Heavy vehicles follow a separate detour via Springs Road, Heysen Boulevard. and Paech Road — see the link below for details
• Expect some noise, dust and machinery during work hours, and occasional overnight pump noise as crews manage groundwater.

We know eight weeks is a long time to live with a closed road, and we appreciate your patience while we deliver this important upgrade for the community.

For the full Light Vehicles and Heavy Vehicle detour maps and more information: https://gmbwater.au/projects-and-works/hartmann-road-closure-and-detours

31/07/2026

🚧 Bald Hills Road Nightworks Update 🚧

We know it's been a long stretch of works in this area, and we want to keep you updated as we move through the final stages.

📍 Bald Hills Road: Pipeline installation activities on Bald Hills Road is due to finish next week.

⛳ Aston Hills Golf Course: The crew will then move to the driveway into AHGC to connect the new sewer main to an existing pipe near the club's carpark. We expect this to take one week of night shifts.

🚦 Detours: For safety reasons, existing night-time detours will stay in place until the AHGC works are complete.

One final week of nightworks will be needed to reinstate the asphalt in both locations:
• AHGC asphalt will be undertaken on the night of 21 August.
• Bald Hills Road reinstatement, including asphalting, will be undertaken from 13 to 18 September, pending weather and successful pre-commissioning.
• A small crew will return soon after reinstatement works for one to two nights to undertake line marking.

Speed restrictions along Bald Hills Road will stay in place until line marking is finished, to protect both crews and the community.

📅 Looking ahead: Once works on Bald Hills Road and at the golf course are complete, crews will move to Hartmann Road. This work will involve 10-hour day shifts with a full 24/7 road closure. We expect this to begin mid- to late-September and will share more details closer to commencement.

We genuinely appreciate how much these works have asked of this community — the disruption to routines, sleep, and everyday travel hasn't gone unnoticed — and we’re grateful for your understanding as we work towards completing this essential infrastructure for Mount Barker.

27/07/2026

☀️ Early morning works | Wastewater Treatment Plant

If you spot lights early in the morning at the site of the new Laratinga Wastewater Recovery Plant along Springs Road — that's our crew hard at work! 🔦

We have our final early morning concrete pour this Wednesday, 29 July, weather permitting. Works will kick off from around 5am.

Concrete trucks will travel from Springs Road into the treatment plant entrance, along the road that leads to the rear of St Francis de Sales College, past the Environment Services Centre, Laratinga Pavilion, and the Community Shed.

As a result, there will be increased construction vehicle movements in the area during morning drop-off times and throughout the day.

Noise will be kept to a minimum as much as practicable, and overall impacts are expected to be minimal.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience while we carry out these essential works. 🔩

22/07/2026

🐶🛁 Not all water is bath-time approved! 🛁🐶

That cute pup in the tub is here with an important reminder: recycled water is a fantastic resource, but it’s not for everything.

Recycled water can be used for:
✅Watering lawns, gardens, flowers, fruit trees and vegetables
✅ Flushing toilets
✅ Washing cars
✅ Filling ornamental ponds and water features (without fish)

Please do NOT use recycled water for:
🚫 Drinking (including for pets)
🚫 Cooking or rinsing food
🚫 Baths, showers or handwashing
🚫 Washing clothes
🚫 Filling pools or spas
🚫 Recreational water play
🚫 Bathing pets – recycled water may cause skin irritation, especially for animals with sensitive skin.

It's also important to remember that bore water is not safe for drinking or food preparation and should not be used on edible plants such as fruit trees and vegetables.

As a recycled water customer, you can help keep the system safe by:
✔️ Reporting leaks, bursts or water quality concerns
✔️ Providing access to your recycled water meter when required
✔️ Using licensed plumbers for any additional infrastructure
✔️ Using recycled water only at the property it is supplied to

Our team also conducts routine audits to ensure recycled water and drinking water systems remain safely separated and compliant. Every drop counts—and using recycled water correctly helps protect public health while making the most of this valuable resource. 💧

Address

1/100 Springs Road
Mount Barker, SA
5251

Website

http://www.gmbwater.au/, https://gmbwater.au/manage-your-service/report-an-issue

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