Wastewater Treatment
What is wastewater?
Wastewater is water that has been polluted through human use in the home or commercially. It is transported through the sewerage network to a wastewater treatment plant where it is put through a number of processes so it can be reused.
Our wastewater treatment facilities
There are six wastewater treatment facilities around Townsville and Magnetic Island. Each one uses a slightly different process for treating and reusing water and bio-solids.
Find out more about our wastewater treatment plants below.
Mount St John Wastewater Treatment Plant
Receiving a major upgrade in 2011 to increase its capacity, Mount St John is Townsville’s most established wastewater treatment plant. Download the factsheet (PDF).
Cleveland Bay Purification Plant
Once considered the largest membrane bioreactor treatment plant in the southern hemisphere, Cleveland Bay is the largest wastewater treatment plant in Townsville. Download the factsheet (PDF).
Condon Water Purification Plant
First constructed in 1986, this Bowhunters Road-based plant received an upgrade in 1994 doubling its capacity. Download the factsheet (PDF).
Toomulla Water Purification Plant
Toomulla is one of Townsville's smallest treatment plants and services about 160 people, treating only residential wastewater.
Magnetic Island Water Recycling Facility
Servicing more than 1200 residents, this facility treats wastewater for safe reuse in several locations, including the local golf course and wetlands. Download the factsheet (PDF).
Horseshoe Bay Water Recycling Facility
This facility uses a three-stage treatment process to reuse 100% of the wastewater through irrigation and on-site service water. Download the factsheet (PDF).
More information
Find out more about the wastewater treatment process, the safety of treated and recycled water, environmental impacts and more by downloading the Wastewater Treatment FAQs (PDF).
For more information in general, contact Townsville Water on 13 48 10 or enquiries@townsville.qld.gov.au.
