Water restrictions could be introduced on the Sunshine Coast later in 2021 as combined dam levels fall

Southeast Queensland residents have been warned they could be hit with water restrictions later this year despite two-thirds of the region’s dams being over 90 per cent full.

Southeast Queensland could be hit with water restrictions later this year despite some dams, particularly on the Sunshine Coast, being full.

Unitywater has urged residents to restrict their usage in all of southeast Queensland despite dams, such as Wappa in Yandina, sitting at 100.5 per cent.

Communications and engagement manager Jana Dore said the SEQ water grid supplied water to everyone on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

“While we have some dams that are full or close to full we still have some dry areas,” she said.

“There’s little rain ahead and it’s not like our summer months and we can’t always rely on the rain.”

Ms Dore is urging residents to make small changes to save water as the dry season approaches.

Southeast Queensland could be hit with water restrictions later this year despite many dams in the region being at capacity.

“With less rain about, we tend to use more water to top up our pools, water our lawns and wash our cars,” she said.

“It means our storages take a double hit and fall more quickly than in summer months.

“We’re asking people to use about 150L per person per day and as we move into water restrictions it would drop down to 140L.”

Ms Dore said there were small changes that every resident and business could make to their water consumption habits.

“There are lots of easy and cost-effective ways to help save water,” Ms Dore said.

“Using a broom or leaf blower instead of a hose to clean outdoor areas, installing water efficient shower heads or simply cutting showers down to four minutes are great places to start.

“These small changes can make a big difference and we thank residents and businesses for all of their water-saving efforts.”

Ewen Maddock Dam during stage one of its recent upgrade. Picture: Patrick Woods.

SEQ Grid dam levels

Atkinson Dam – 4.6 per cent

Baroon Pocket – 99.7 per cent

Bill Gunn (Lake Dyer) – 4.8 per cent

Borumba – 81.3 per cent

Cedar Pocket – 100.6 per cent

Clarendon 0.3 per cent

Cooloolabin 73.1 per cent

Enoggera – 101.3 per cent

Ewen Maddock – 94.1 per cent

Gold Creek- 108.3 per cent

Hinze – 100.4 per cent

Lake Macdonald (Six Mile Creek) – 101.2 per cent

Lake Manchester – 100.2 per cent

Leslie Harrison – 100.4 per cent

Little Nerang – 95.9 per cent

Maroon – 99.7 per cent

Moogerah – 42.2 per cent

Nindooinbah – 108.9 per cent

North Pine (Lake Samsonvale) – 68.0 per cent

Poona – 90.3 per cent

Sideling Creek (Lake Kurwongbah) – 100.5 per cent

Somerset – 75.3 per cent

Wappa – 100.5 per cent

Wivenhoe – 41.9 per cent

Wyaralong – 100 per cent

Ewen Maddock Dam. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Water saving tips

• Checking for hidden leaks
• Keeping showers to four minutes
• Turning the tap off when brushing teeth
• Only using dishwashers and washing machines when they’re full
• Using a pool cover to reduce evaporation
• Watering gardens at cooler times of the day
• Fixing leaking taps and toilets.

Originally published as Water restrictions could be introduced on the Sunshine Coast later in 2021 as combined dam levels fall