Cairns Regional Council may look to implement water restrictions sooner than usual with the city's water supply being affected by ongoing challenges at several water reservoirs and high usage in recent hot and dry weather.
As a first step, Council has recently launched an awareness campaign on water restrictions leading in to the wet season, reminding everyone just how important it is to use water wisely.
Deputy Mayor Brett Olds, who chaired today's Ordinary Meeting, urged residents to follow permanent water conservation measures which have been in place since 2007.
The measures include:
- Odd-numbered houses can use sprinklers on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday: 5am - 9am and 5pm - 9pm.
- Even-numbered houses can use sprinklers on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday: 5am - 9am and 5pm - 9pm.
- No sprinkler use on Monday.
- Hand-held hoses with a trigger nozzle, watering cans and buckets can be used at any time.
Cr Olds said the city's water supply has been affected by ongoing challenges to bring Brinsmead and Bayview reservoirs back online.
These challenges have been exacerbated by recent issues at University reservoir (Smithfield), which has reduced its water storage capacity.
"This is the driest winter we've experienced in the past few years and the increase in water use is placing a greater strain on Freshwater Creek Water Treatment Plant," he said.
"When the network is under pressure, it increases the likelihood of water main breaks or dirty water.
"I'd encourage the community to follow the permanent water conservation measures which outline days for odd and even numbered houses to use their sprinklers. This will help to take some of the load off the system.
Cr Olds said there were several considerations to determine if water restrictions were needed.
"When it comes to imposing water restrictions, we typically base that decision on consumption rates, the dam level, and forecast rainfall," he said.
"Ordinarily, the trigger for introducing Level 1 water restrictions would be Copperlode Dam falling to 80% capacity.
"While we've experienced rain in recent days and the dam is currently around the 90% level, the ongoing issues with some of our water reservoirs means we may look to implement water restrictions sooner than usual."
Division 6 Councillor Kristy Vallely said the ongoing rectification works at key reservoirs had resulted in increased water main breaks, dirty water reports and lower than usual pressures.
"Residents who normally receive their water from Brinsmead reservoir are currently being supplied directly from the water treatment plant," she said.
"Unfortunately, this is causing more water main breaks due to changes in network pressure, especially during the times of day when people are using water the most.
"The water conservation campaign is a timely reminder that permanent water restrictions are in place, and we need to work together as a community to reduce the strain on our network, keep our supplies flowing and avoid dirty water events."
Higher level water restrictions may be put into effect if high usage continues or there are interruptions to water treatment.
