Taps opened as drought hits greater Brisbane

Drought-like conditions have caused a council north of Brisbane to take action to help residents who have run out of water in regional areas.

Regional areas around Brisbane are running out of water.

WATER refill stations are being opened to Moreton Bay residents who are feeling the effects of hot and dry weather across southeast Queensland.

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Moreton Bay Regional Council will give residents access to a “small quantity” of water at community refill stations at a number of local parks in more remote suburbs this Saturday.

FULL LIST OF REFILL STATIONS BELOW

Residents who have run out of tank water will be able to refill up to 1000 litres.

Worst affected residents of Dayboro will have to wait until Monday afternoon when the council plans to truck out bulk water containers to the showgrounds.

Residents have been warned to take water saving measures. Picture Bruce/Long

The remote town at the foot of Mt Mee in the west was issued with a warning earlier this month to take water saving measures after a nearby river stopped flowing.

Dayboro is not connected to the SEQ Water Grid and relies on its own water supply from bores in the North Pine River.

Mayor Allan Sutherland issued a letter to all residents Thursday evening.

Moreton Bay Mayor Allan Sutherland issued a statement on Thursday evening. Picture: David Alexander Moreton Bay Mayor Allan Sutherland

“Southeast Queensland is experiencing hot and dry weather conditions with low rainfall forecast,” he said.

“While the Moreton Bay Region has not been drought declared, dry conditions are affecting water supply in some communities.

“As a resident living in an area that may be reliant on tank water, council and our region’s water supplier Unitywater are encouraging you to be prepared by checking your water level and topping up your tank.”

It is understood that residents are experiencing delays on water deliveries from private carriers due to the increased demand.

Unitywater will fast-track new commercial water carrier licence applications for applicants who meet required criteria.

The council has received more than 70 complaints from residents who have run out of water in the region.

Where is my closest community refill station?

The following locations have tap and hose outlets available for free public use between 6am and 6pm:

DONNYBROOK - Donnybrook Community Hall, 55 Alice St. One tap available.

ELIMBAH - Elimbah Sports Centre, Elimbah Sports Drive. Four taps available.

NARANGBA - Narangba Rangers Rugby Club, Williamina Ct. Two taps available.

PETRIE - Sweeney Reserve, 1 Old Dayboro Rd. Two taps available.

SAMFORD - Alan Cash Park, Main St and Cash Ave. One tap available.

STRATHPINE - Pine Rivers Park, 125 Gympie Rd. 10 taps available. Please note this site will be unavailable from Wednesday, October 9 and reopening Tuesday, October 14.

WOODFORD - Woodford Showgrounds, 2 Neurum Rd. Three taps available.

BUNYA - James Drysdale Reserve, Pine Hills Drive. Two taps available.

CABOOLTURE - Upper Caboolture Farmers Assembly Hall, 704 Caboolture River Rd. Two taps available.

NARANGBA - Narangba Rangers Rugby Club, Williamina Ct. Two taps available.

SAMFORD - Alan Cash Park, Main St and Cash Ave. One tap available.

From Monday:

DAYBORO - Dayboro Showgrounds, 3512 Mount Mee Road

Bulk water containers available from afternoon of Monday September 30

What do I need to do?

■ Check the status of your local community refill station at www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/water-refill

■ Bring containers for water (up to 1000 litres)

■ Bring a garden hose with connection

■ While this is potable water, as you are required to use your own equipment, council recommends you clean and disinfect your hose and containers; and boil this water if you plan to consume or cook with it.

■ For more information about council’s community refill stations (including their availability), or to view these locations online visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/water-refill.

■ For tips on being waterwise visit the Unitywater website www.unitywater.com/residential/manage-your-water-usage/water-efficiency/water-efficiency-tips