FIVE million dollars, 21.5km of pipe and a $10,000 electricity bill is what the Southern Downs Regional Council needs to pump Allora's drinking water back in line with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Allora's drinking water is still perfectly safe to drink but it does contain a few extra minerals that have put the total hardness and total dissolved solids levels outside of the drinking water guidelines.

The water quality issues were uncovered during an investigation conducted by the council.

It found the water hardness level was 2.5 times higher than the recommended level while the total dissolved solid level was 11% more than the guideline value.

These issues affect the accuracy of council water meters, damage water pipes and shorten the life of appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers because it leaves mineral deposits behind in the pipes.

Allora's current drinking water system, which is sourced from groundwater bores, chlorinated and delivered through a reticulation system to residents, has been in place since 1963.

Investigators found the best way to fix the problem was to install a pipeline to connect the Allora water supply to the Warwick water supply.

And as Allora residents only use 150 mega litres of water a year, compared to Warwick's 2000 mega litres, the council found it would not have a significant impact on Connolly Dam's water levels.

The council investigators did consider off-setting the capital cost of the pipeline by installing a sewer pressure main in the same trench as the new pipe, but this was rejected based on public health concerns, added cost and engineering reasons.

The cost of the project has been included in next financial year's proposed capital works budget, which will need to be approved by the council during the budget process later this year.

First the council will need to adopt the construction of the pipeline and approve the purchase of easements and land for a reservoir at Willowvale during tomorrow's general meeting in Stanthorpe.

Do you live in Allora? Have you had any issues with water quality? Phone reporter Erin Smith on 4660 1364 to share your story.