Community asked to conserve water usage during pipeline connection
Date published: 14 May 2024
Council is asking residents to focus on conserving their water usage over the next month, as a major water project nears completion.
Deputy Mayor Paul Jacob said as the Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Renewal reached the final stages, it was time for crews to connect the new 9.5km pipeline into Council’s Water Treatment Plant.
“Council has been unwavering in its commitment to delivering long-term water security to our community, so it’s terrific to see this project which is renewing a crucial piece of infrastructure linking the dam to our water treatment plant nearing completion,” Cr Jacob said.
“To finish the final piece of the puzzle, the construction crews need to connect this new pipeline at the dam and the treatment plant, which will require Council to temporarily pump water from the Ross River at Black’s Weir instead of the Dam while the pipe is connected.
“Council’s projects and operations teams have completed extensive preparations for this final stage of the project, and we need the Townsville community to lend a hand by conserving their water use in the lead-up and throughout the short duration of the pipeline connection.”
Council’s General Manager Water, Travis Richards said Council was asking residents to conserve water in line with level two water restrictions for just a short time.
“These kinds of projects will always come with varying levels of service disruption, which we have minimised through extensive planning; however, the community can support the project by adhering to conservation measures in line with level two restrictions,” Mr Richards said.
“The connection works on the pipeline will span from Monday 20 May through to Tuesday 25 June, where we’re asking the community to conserve their water usage, particularly outdoors.
“Most people don’t realise that more than 70 per cent of the water Townsville residents use is on their lawns and gardens.
“Council will be limiting our irrigation during this time, and we want residents to do the same.
“Most of Townsville will remember the unexpected failure of the original pipe extending from the dam to the treatment plant in December 2020, the new piece of infrastructure is all about making sure that kind of disruption doesn’t happen again.
“This $60 million, 9.5km project is part of Council’s investment in water infrastructure and services, continuing our strong focus on water security and safeguarding Townsville’s water supply for decades to come, supporting the future development of the city.”
Cr Jacob said living in the Dry Tropics, Townsville residents knew the importance of water conservation year-round and was confident the Townsville community would get behind the conservation measures.
“Council proactively encourages the community to be water-wise throughout the year in order to not only conserve our dam level but reduce demand on the Douglas Water Treatment Plant,” Cr Jacob said.
“Under level two measures throughout the connection process, it’s advised households only use sprinklers between 6pm and 8pm using the odds and evens system and hand-held water at any time.
“We’re really asking that come Monday (20 May), the community keeps their outdoor use to a minimum by turning off automatic irrigation systems, using a hand-held nozzle and buckets for washing vehicles and limiting washing any outdoor hard surfaces.
“We appreciate the community’s cooperation and understanding during the next month, these works ensure Council can continue delivering excellent services to our community for decades to come.”
The Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Renewal is funded by the Queensland Government in partnership with Townsville City Council.
Water conservation measures for households include:
- Sprinkler use between 6pm and 8pm using the odds and evens system
- Even-numbered properties on Tuesdays and Saturdays
- Odd-numbered properties on Wednesdays and Sundays
- Hand-held watering at any time
- Pressure washers only for washing hard surfaces
- Cars and boats to be washed using buckets.
Businesses are asked to limit water usage where possible throughout the project timeframe.
Visit Council’s Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Renewal page for more information.
