With below average rainfall predicted and hot, dry weather continuing in the months to come, Townsville City Council is calling on the community to watch their water usage as the city moves into medium level water restrictions this week.
Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said while water restrictions are not unusual at this time of year, the amount of algae had increased significantly over the last six months.
"Townsville is no stranger to water restrictions, particularly in the summer months and as things heat up in the Dry Tropics, paired with our shallow, nutrient-rich dam, it provides the perfect environment for blue-green algae to thrive, slowing our treatment process," Cr Greaney said.
"The blue-green algae level in Ross River Dam has increased by more than 250 per cent in the past six months which is unprecedented. This puts significant pressure on our Douglas Water Treatment Plant to continue producing safe, high-quality treated water.
"There is no need for alarm, our water remains safe and meets all drinking water standards.
"Townsville currently uses around 175 megalitres (ML) of water a day, which equates to roughly 600 litres per person, per day, or four bathtubs full to the brim, each. When some of our neighbouring cities are using less than half that amount per person in similar climates, it's important as a community we look at how we can create a more sustainable water future for our region.
"By implementing these medium level water restrictions it's hoped we can get that figure down to around 135 megalitres a day, or around 400 litres each per person, which is still plenty to cover your daily needs."
Council recently updated the way it communicates varying levels of water restrictions, taking on a low, medium, high and critical status instead of the numerical scale used in the past.
"Medium level water restrictions are essentially the same as Level 2 measures our community is used to, meaning using sprinklers only between 5-7am or 6-8pm on the odds and evens system, handheld watering at any time, washing vehicles and boats with a bucket and washing hard surfaces with a pressure washer," Cr Greaney said.
"Businesses that use large amounts of water like nurseries are being asked not to water between 9am-4pm, and if watering outside of that time, only using a water efficient means.
"We don't want to be telling people how they use their water or issuing infringement notices, it's about the community making a conscious effort to help relieve some of the strain on our treatment plant, so everyone can continue to have access to safe drinking water.
"It's more than just watering at certain hours on certain days, people can make a real difference by taking shorter showers, using a broom or blower to clean hard surfaces, or turning down the time on your irrigation system, every little bit counts."
Council's General Manager of Water Services, Travis Richards said Council wasn't expecting Townsville residents to do all the heavy lifting, with Council dialling back its water usage across the city in line with medium level water restrictions.
"Council has reduced its water usage significantly, turning selected irrigation systems down, or off completely, saving 3.5 megalitres a day," Mr Richards said.
"We're looking at what we can do to bring that number down even more and appreciate people doing the same in their own homes or businesses."
Mr Richards said the rising level of blue-green algae had increased the cost of treating water substantially.
"Not only does it take longer to treat water when levels are this high, but that strenuous treatment process dramatically increases the cost of treating water, so by cutting down on the amount each person is using we can focus on spending that money elsewhere," Mr Richards said.
"Council has already implemented a range of measures to manage blue-green algae, including treatment plant upgrades like new clarifiers, increasing sludge handling capacity and chemical storage to continue producing safe and high-quality treated water.
"Thanks to these new measures we have been able to manage the unprecedented algae blooms in recent months, however as the hot and dry weather is expected to continue through to late January before we see any significant rain, it's time for everyone to do their part.
"We thank the community for their cooperation and will keep them updated in the weeks and months to come."
Medium-level Water restrictions for residents
- Use sprinklers only between 5-7am, 6-8pm, odds and evens applies. Handheld watering any time.
- Wash vehicles and boats (other than flushing boat motors) with bucket of water efficient car wash.
- Wash hard surfaces other than for safety issues with pressure wash only.
Medium-level Water restrictions for businesses
- Commercial Nurseries and Market Gardens are not to water between 9am-4pm. Watering outside of that time by water efficient sprinkler, handheld trigger or twist nozzle, irrigation system and water can/bucket.
- Irrigation of sports fields (including school sport fields) only during 6-8pm. Handheld watering anytime.
