: News Article

Project appeal to limit water use

28/01/2004

Townsville and Thuringowa residents will be asked to avoid all non-essential use of water for a short period next month while NQ Water completes a major maintenance project.

Contractors will be connecting a new submerged section of pipeline to the mains where it crosses Black Weir.

The work will put a stop to the supply of water from Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant for around three days.

NQ Water Chairman Ian Hamilton said it was a major project carried out under controlled conditions. "The project is viable in a period of low water demand, like the wet season,' Mr Hamilton said. "The proposed start date next Wednesday (4 Feb) will be heralded with an advertising blitz.

"Residents will be asked to do their bit by avoiding non-essential water use like watering lawns, irrigating gardens, filling pools and washing cars. If everyone turns off sprinkler systems, for example, it will make a big impression overall.

"Townsville and Thuringowa City Councils are major customers and are also helping by reducing water use during this time." Other measures taken to ensure continuity of supply include maintaining full supply from Mt Spec, filling all reservoirs prior to the project and installing heavy duty pumps to take water directly from Black Weir to the treatment plant.

Mr Hamilton said the connection on the Condon side of the river was under Upper Ross River Road and work would involve some traffic and other disruptions for a short period.

He asked the public to avoid the area which is a dedicated construction site and thanked residents of the Upper Ross in advance for their patience.

© 2004 NQ Water