: News Article

Preparations made for "cut-in"

03/02/2004

They include filling the 24 reservoirs around Townsville and Thuringowa; draining the system and carrying out excavation and rock breaking to expose the connection points.

The reservoirs will hold around 200 megalitres (ML). NQ Water was using several other approaches to ensure a continuity of supply during the project said Chairman, Ian Hamilton.

"Supply from Mt Spec has been ramped up to more than 45 ML a day", Mr Hamilton said. "We will also be able to take around 80 ML a day directly from Black Weir with back up pumps."

"On top of this, we have an awareness campaign designed to influence consumers to avoid all non-essential use of water.

"That, along with some favourable weather, kept daily consumption down to around 100 to 110 ML a day over the weekend which is in our comfort zone."

Mr Hamilton said residents and business owners in more than 55,000 Townsville and Thuringowa premises had already been contacted for their support by brochure or letter.

He said a second stage awareness campaign using print, television and radio advertising also started today.

Contractors are expected to take three days to connect a new 160 tonne section of pipe to the mains where it crosses Black Weir en route to Douglas Water Treatment Plant. Engineers refer to it as a ‘cut-in’.

The connection on the eastern side of the river is under Upper Ross River Road downstream from Gollogly Lane where traffic will be diverted to single lanes.

© 2004 NQ Water