Strict water restrictions remain in place for Townsville, Magnetic Island

Townsville residents will be able to resume using water within their homes only from 4pm today.

• Stolen vehicle rams woman, children inside
• WONDER MUM: Why Natalie is an inspiration to all of us

UPDATE:

Townsville residents will be able to resume using water within their homes only from 4pm today (Sunday, 13 December).

Water use outside of houses will remain restricted. Emergency water use remains in place until 4pm.

Council staff and contractors continue to undertake further works to restore the pipeline to the Douglas Water Treatment Plant.

“Pumping at the Douglas Water Treatment Plant overnight and during today has helped replenish the city’s water reservoirs,” a TCC spokesman said.

“Levels at all city reservoirs will continue to be monitored.

“This means that from 4pm today households can shower and wash clothes and dishes, however, residents are asked to conserve water where possible.

“Water restrictions remain in place outside the house meaning no irrigation, no handheld watering, no filling of pools and no washing of vehicles or boats.”

Commercial water customers should refer to the water use schedule on Townsville City Council’s disaster dashboard for guidance on activities they can undertake.

Council has enacted section 43 of the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability Act) 2008 to formally restrict the use of water across the city and Magnetic Island.

Under this legislation, council can issue penalties to those residents and businesses found not complying with the water restrictions. Council compliance officers have been in the community today monitoring water use.

Black Weir, which forms part of the city’s water supply network, remains closed for community use from the Ring Road bridge to Ross River Dam.

Council thanks Townsville and Magnetic Island residents and business owners for their ongoing cooperation in limiting their water consumption and for their continued patience and understanding.

Residents and business owners should monitor Townsville City Council’s Disaster Dashboard for latest information and updates

EARLIER:

Townsville and Magnetic Island residents and business owners could face penalties if found to be breaching strict water use directions, as the flow on effects of a ruptured water pipe on Friday continue to wreak havoc on the regions.

The Townsville City Council released its latest warning on Sunday morning advising people that water restrictions were still in place.

“Council staff and contractors have worked through the night to undertake further works to restore the pipeline to the Douglas Water Treatment Plant,” a TCC spokesman said.

“Pumping at the treatment plant overnight and during today is expected to replenish the city’s water reservoirs to a level which would allow council to ease water restrictions for domestic customers to in-house use.”

Under the water restrictions residents must not use water to shower, wash clothes, use a dishwasher or tend to gardens. Water is to be used only to drink and flush the toilet.

“Council has enacted section 43 of the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability Act) 2008 to formally restrict the use of water across the city and Magnetic Island.

“Under this legislation, Council can issue penalties to those residents and businesses found not complying with the water restrictions.”

Black Weir, which forms part of the city’s water supply network, remains closed for community use from the Ring Road bridge to Ross River Dam.

“Council thanks Townsville and Magnetic Island residents and business owners for their ongoing co-operation in limiting their water consumption and for their continued patience and understanding,” the TCC spokesman said.

Residents and business owners should monitor Townsville City Council’s Disaster Dashboard for latest information and updates.

A further update will be issued around 12pm.

For more information, visit http://disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au/

Originally published as Strict water restrictions remain in place for Townsville, Magnetic Island