Dam levels continue to fall as Fraser Coast water use soars

With dam levels dropping and water use soaring, Fraser Coast residents are being urged to limit their water use as summer approaches.

Teddington weir on the Fraser Coast. While the region’s water supplies were still in good shape with Lake Lenthall at 67 per cent and Teddington Weir at 84 per cent, “water levels are dropping by about one to two per cent a week” according to Mayor George Seymour.

Fraser Coast residents are being encouraged to reduce their water use in the wake of the latest figures showing dam levels are dropping while water use is soaring.

While the region’s water supplies were still in good shape with Lake Lenthall at 67 per cent and Teddington Weir at 84 per cent, water levels are dropping by about one to two per cent a week.

Mayor George Seymour said in a statement on Tuesday the Fraser Coast’s water supplies relied on rainfall, and “unfortunately our catchments have only received about 60 per cent of their usual rainfall over the past 10 months with a hot, dry summer forecast”.

“Unless we get significant rain very soon, level two water restrictions are just around the corner.”

Teddington weir on the Fraser Coast. While the region’s water supplies were still in good shape with Lake Lenthall at 67 per cent and Teddington Weir at 84 per cent, “water levels are dropping by about one to two per cent a week” according to Mayor George Seymour.

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Level two water restrictions on the Fraser Coast are medium-level restrictions that focus on reducing outdoor water use, such as limiting the use of sprinklers and irrigation systems to three nights a week.

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Average daily water consumption was increasing as the weather heated up, councillor Zane O’Keefe said.

“From 13 to 26 October, average daily water consumption in Hervey Bay was 28 ML, and in Maryborough, it was 10 ML,” he said.

The findings represent a significant rise from September where the average was 23 ML per day in Hervey Bay and 8 ML per day in Maryborough.

Lake Lenthall is currently at 67 per cent but is decreasing every week.

“Council is encouraging Fraser Coast residents to keep an eye on their water use as it will not only save you money by helping avoid a big water bill, but it will also help conserve our region’s water supplies.”

Councillor David Lee said the council was developing a water grid as recommended in the Fraser Coast Water Supply Security Strategy – Planning Report.

“The planning for the water grid – a pipeline connecting the Hervey Bay and Maryborough water supply networks – is progressing, with a concept design and preferred route expected by the end of the year,” he said.

“By connecting our two service areas into a single network, water can be pumped both to and from Maryborough and Hervey Bay.

Teddington weir on the Fraser Coast. While the region’s water supplies were still in good shape with Lake Lenthall at 67 per cent and Teddington Weir at 84 per cent, “water levels are dropping by about one to two per cent a week” according to Mayor George Seymour.

“It will mean we will have a more resilient and efficient water supply network, as it would mean more use of the region’s water collection, treatment and storage assets.”

Mr Seymour said developing a business case for a Hervey Bay desalination plant was listed in the council’s Priority Advocacy Projects 2024 document, which will be used to seek partnerships and commitments from the Australian and Queensland Governments to support local priorities.

“The water supply security strategy recommended we design and build a desalination plant by 2036 so it’s important that we prepare a business case for when funding opportunities arise,” he said.

Originally published as Dam levels continue to fall as Fraser Coast water use soars