Temporary discoloration of water
Date published: 2 February 2021
“Council is aware that residents in Douglas and surrounding suburbs are turning on their taps and seeing discoloured water,” Mayor Jenny Hill said today.
“This is less than ideal, and I apologise for any inconvenience or concern. However, I can assure residents that the water is perfectly safe to drink.
“Townsville’s drinking water supply is rigorously tested to ensure it meets all health standards, which are passed on to the Department of Health.”
The cause of the discolouration is temporary and is a result of a reconfiguration of the city’s water network in response to an increase of blue-green algae in the Ross River Dam.
“Blue-green algal blooms are a common issue and are caused by an excess of nutrients being washed into the dam due to the onset of the wet season,” Cr Hill said.
