Anticipated threats of microbiological contamination of northern water supplies have put a new urgency on NQ Water's commitment to a northern water treatment plant.

While Queensland Health has given local water supplies the 'all-clear' following recent incidents, a new report by GHD Engineers suggests there is a risk of exposure to waterborne diseases.

As a result of the recent restructure being accepted by councils, the anticipated $18 million cost of the plant would be borne by NQ Water rather than Thuringowa residents alone, said Chairman Ian Hamilton.

Now that NQ Water had the responsibility for water quality, it would take measures to ensure all consumers get water of equivalent standard, Mr Hamilton said.

"A northern water treatment plant is part of a larger Water Reservation Agreement contained in the restructure," Mr Hamilton said. "The agreement details the twin cities' rights to water allocation and water quality."

"The councils are legally responsible for the quality of water they sell to residents.

"Under the restructure we have taken on the councils' responsibility of funding water treatment infrastructure to provide equivalent water quality throughout the entire region."

The new structure of the bulk water system meant that NQ Water could react quickly to addressing areas of priority like those identified in the GHD report, said Mr Hamilton.

"The Crystal Creek system is a very good quality supply and we've had companies offering to pay for an allocation to sell the water bottled," he said.

"What this report suggests we do is introduce new controls to provide a more consistent supply that guards against the incidence of Gardia and Cryptosporidium."

The report will go to the next board meeting where it will be referred to consultants to develop planning reports as soon as possible. The restructure has been referred to the Department of Local Government.

© 2004 NQ Water