Douglas Shire residents are being warned predicted heavy rainfall throughout the region in coming days could trigger more water restrictions.
Locals are currently on Level 1 conditions but that could change quickly and go as high as Level 4 restrictions if weather conditions continue to affect the sediment levels at the water intake.
Mayor Michael Kerr said the system remains vulnerable in the wake of Cyclone Jasper which left many communities without a water supply or on tight restrictions for weeks.
“The challenge we’re facing is high turbidity,” Mayor Kerr said.
“This occurs when heavy rain causes increased volumes of water containing silt, sand, and vegetation to block the intakes and stop a full flow of water to treatment plants.”
High turbidity levels slow down the water treatment process, required to make clean and safe water.
When high turbidity occurs, water continues to flow from reservoirs to households, but that reservoir supply cannot be replenished until water production resumes.
“Water can’t be added to the reservoirs and sent to taps if it is not clean and safe,” Mayor Kerr said.
Locals are being urged to monitor the Council’s Facebook, the disaster dashboard and website for updates.
