Water use warnings across the region
Water Security
Douglas Shire residents are reminded of the Level 1 water restrictions permanently in place for the council region as the Shire’s southern neighbours in Cairns face news the council may look to implement water restrictions sooner than usual.
Cairns’ water supply is being affected by ongoing challenges at several water reservoirs and high usage in recent hot and dry weather.
As a first step, Cairns Regional Council has recently launched an awareness campaign on water restrictions leading into the wet season, reminding everyone just how important it is to use water wisely.
Deputy Mayor Brett Olds urged residents to follow permanent water conservation measures which have been in place since 2007.
The measures in Cairns include:
- Odd-numbered houses can use sprinklers on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday: 5 - 9am and 5 - 9pm.
- Even-numbered houses can use sprinklers on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday: 5 - 9am and 5 - 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.’’
Douglas Shire residents have had similar restrictions in place to Cairns with Level 1 water restrictions triggered in August 2024. Watering cans or buckets are allowed at any time, while hand-held hoses with trigger or twist nozzles are allowed at any time and must be attended at all times.
Use of manual sprinklers, automated sprinklers, micro-spray or drip watering irrigation systems is not permitted on Mondays, and odd numbered houses are allowed to use these watering options on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 6pm and 8am for a maximum of 4 hours. Even (or no) numbered houses are allowed on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays between 6pm and 8am for a maximum of 4 hours.
The filling of private property swimming pools, spas and portable paddling pools is allowed at any time to the minimum operating level.
More information on Council’s Water Restrictions is available, here.
A Douglas Shire Council spokesperson said the Level 1 restrictions have been maintained as Council has faced significant challenges in maintaining water security.
“The new Mossman River intake is a cornerstone of the Council’s Water Security Strategy, aiming to reduce reliance on a single source and prevent the need for severe water restrictions. Construction is set to begin in mid 2026,’’ the spokesperson said.
“The activation of future water restriction levels will be highly dependent on weather conditions. Factors such as rainfall, river flow and seasonal climate patterns directly influence the availability of water from our intakes.
“While Council continues to monitor water levels and usage closely, decisions around restrictions are made in real time to balance demand with supply.’’
Cairns Regional Council’s advice comes as consumers in the Bartle Frere Scheme (including Woopen Creek) are told they should boil drinking water until further notice.
Increased rainfall is impacting on Council’s ability to adequately treat water and storage levels have been depleted.
Customers should bring water to a boil by heating the water until a continuous and rapid stream of air-bubbles is produced from the bottom of a pan or kettle. Kettles with automatic cut-off switches are suitable. Variable temperature kettles should be set to boil.
After heating, water must be allowed to cool before using it, and be stored in a clean, closed container for later use. Care should be taken to avoid scalding injuries.
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