Far North Queenslanders facing level one water restrictions amid heatwave

Far North Queenslanders are facing level one water restrictions as a heatwave intensifies, with residents and businesses urged to conserve water. Find out the areas impacted.

Water restrictions are in now in place across the Cassowary Cost as hot and dry temperatures continue across Far North Queensland. Picture: Supplied.

From Port Douglas to the Cassowary Coast, new watering rules are in effect to manage rising demand and protect local water supplies.

As Far North Queensland endures a heatwave and dry conditions, water restrictions have been enforced for a number of residents and businesses due to rising demand.

Watering restrictions include designated days for households to water gardens using sprinklers, while handheld hoses, buckets, and watering cans may be used at any time, but no watering is allowed on Mondays.

Cassowary Coast residents will be required to adhere to level one water restrictions as of Monday, November 11.

A spokesman for Cassowary Coast Regional Council said the water restrictions would be in place until stated otherwise.

“Restrictions apply to all private, commercial and industrial sectors across the region unless otherwise noted,” he said.

Washing of vehicles and boats must be through the use of buckets and watering cans, trigger hoses can be used for rinsing only. Picture: Supplied.

Odd-numbered properties can use sprinklers on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday between 6–8am and 6–8pm.

Even-numbered properties can use sprinklers on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday 6–8am and 6–8pm.

Ponds are permitted to be topped up with freshwater, however, fountains may only operate with recycled water.

The Douglas Shire Council, located about 60 kilometres north of Cairns, is also under level one water restrictions, which apply to areas including Port Douglas and Daintree.

“Window cleaning can be done anytime using high-pressure, low-volume cleaners, trigger hoses, or buckets/watering cans,” a spokesman said.

“Paved areas can only be hosed down in emergencies, such as accidents or health hazards; otherwise, buckets may be used at any time.”

The use of sprinklers will be prohibited during hottests parts of the day, which include 9am and 5pm for all areas. Picture: Supplied.

Washing of vehicles and boats must be through the use of buckets and watering cans, trigger hoses can be used for rinsing only.

Existing pools and spas may be topped up during permitted watering times.

In addition farm dams and tanks may only be topped up for firefighting, health, or stock purposes, with council approval.

Sports grounds can water active areas daily from 5pm to 10am, and inactive areas on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Cairns Regional Council has permanent water conservation measures in place to encourage efficient water use.

By watering during cooler times this helps reduce evaporation, alternating watering times between odd and even-numbered houses is also used to promote sustainability.

Originally published as Far North Queenslanders facing level one water restrictions amid heatwave