Upgrades to Douglas Shire water treatment could take years

Douglas Shire’s mayor has given insight into when the water supply issues in the region will be resolved.

Douglas Shire Council have offered a timeline for when the failing water supply infrastructure will be updated. Picture: Glen Burns Photo/ iStock

Douglas Shire’s Mayor says extensive water supply issues in the popular tourist destination are not likely to be fixed in the short-term, in the wake of harsh restrictions and water outages.

Since the December floods, Douglas Shire Council has been working to fix extensive damage to water supply pipework and treatment plants, leading to two months of level 4 water restrictions and interrupted supply to multiple localities.

Council met with state and federal government groups regarding the Douglas Shire water infrastructure plan. Picture: Douglas Shire Council/ Facebook

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the council had consulted with state and federal government groups to resolve the issues but a system upgrade was most likely years away.

“Any upgrade to the shire’s water treatment plants is potentially two to three years away and will require funding from the state and federal governments,” he said.

Although, he added work to prepare for another rain event was ongoing.

“Council is currently investigating options for improvements and additions to treatment processes, alternate water supplies and improvements to water network.”

Council workers will be replacing critical water infrastructure on the corner of Johnston Road and Front Street in Mossman this week. Picture: Douglas Shire Council/ Facebook

Mr Kerr said added strain from the December deluge was to blame for the current infrastructure failures.

“Before the disaster event, high turbidity was a common issue during rain events, but turbidity soon reduced after the rain stopped; after the disaster event, high turbidity events continue for longer periods, even when weather is stable,” Mr Kerr said.

He added treatment plants had to slow production in order to cope with the excess silt and debris.

“High raw water turbidity has affected the water treatment processes by blocking filtration membranes,” he said.

“Network breaks have been caused by debris moved by flood waters, pressure fluctuations and ground movement due to high water tables and soil saturation differences.”

Wonga Beach resident Tarryn Morana said she was unimpressed by council’s response to the issues.

“It’s an absolute disgrace, the water supply and the communication,” she said.

“The only real communication is on Facebook so all the elderly that aren’t on there have no idea,” she said.

Water main break at Killaloe Transfer Station on 27 February 2024. Picture: Douglas Shire Council/ Facebook

“There are people going to the water pick up and there’s no drinking water.

“They have to wait and there’s no shade and no public toilets there either.

“I understand you can’t just click your fingers at magically everything’s fixed but we have no idea when things will be turned back on.”

The council also issues water updates on their website.

Fellow Wonga Beach resident Steve Mattson agreed communication could be better but supported council’s plan of action.

“Obviously, with it all on social media, perhaps they could promote on local radio for those without but there is normally something updated everyday,” Mr Mattson said.

“No one wants this but unfortunately it happened and you make do with what you’ve got.”

Originally published as Upgrades to Douglas Shire water treatment could take years