: Lake Paluma/Crystal Creek System

The second major supply source, located 75km northwest of Townsville, is the Paluma/Mount Spec system. This source is unique in that it operates on a gravity-fed basis, supplying up to 60 megalitres of high quality water to the northern beach areas and the suburbs of Thuringowa. Pipeline flow begins from the Crystal Creek intake located in the Mount Spec National Park. Water is treated at the Crystal Creek intake and at several locations along the pipelines to maintain health standards. On average, approximately 75% of water from Mount Spec is sourced directly from Crystal Creek. When creek levels are low, back-up water is fed to the intake from Lake Paluma.

Situated on Swamp Creek at the top of Mount Spec, Lake Paluma has a total capacity of 11,800 megalitres and operates on a compressed air destratification system. The Lake is also open to recreational users for waterskiing and other aquatic and foreshore activities.

© 2004 NQ Water