Cairns Regional Council has lifted Level 4 water restrictions, with the region returning to permanent water conservation measures (Level 0).
Level 4 restrictions were introduced late Thursday afternoon as a precaution to reduce drawdown from reservoirs and extend the availability of potable water during forecast heavy rainfall.
Deputy Mayor Brett Olds applauded the community for their swift response and understanding.
"We were really concerned that forecast heavy rainfall would create extended periods of high turbidity in our raw water supplies, which can force water treatment operations to pause," Cr Olds said.
"The community's response to our call to restrict water use was amazing. Usage dropped quickly, and I want to thank everyone for doing their bit to help protect our water supply.
"Today, we are removing Level 4 restrictions and returning to permanent water conservation measures, now the threat of heavy rainfall and the risk to our water treatment plants has passed."
Under permanent water conservation measures, sprinkler use is permitted as follows:
- Odd-numbered houses may use sprinklers on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between 5am–9am and 5pm–9pm
- Even-numbered houses may use sprinklers on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday between 5am–9am and 5pm–9pm
- No sprinkler use is permitted on Mondays
- Hand-held hoses with trigger nozzles, watering cans and buckets may be used at any time
Council CEO Ken Gouldthorp said residents should remain mindful that heightened water restrictions may be required again.
"This may not be the last time we need to introduce higher-level water restrictions," Mr Gouldthorp said.
"It is still very early in the wet season, and Level 4 restrictions may need to be reintroduced if severe weather disrupts water treatment operations again.
"This is an important reminder for residents to have stored water as part of their cyclone preparedness.
"Our priority remains improving the storage capacity in our network by bringing the Brinsmead reservoir back online. We are progressing the necessary maintenance and testing required to make this happen and enable greater redundancy should our treatment processes be interrupted."
