++++UPDATE 5pm, December 29+++++++
After a hectic couple of days, Douglas Shire Council has managed to get water moving with sufficient pressure into the Mossman Water Treatment Plant to reinstate production.
‘We were able to break through the concrete of the inlet to allow water to bypass the blockage and flow to the water treatment plant with enough quantity to sustain the pressure required,’ said Mayor Michael Kerr.
All residents on this network (including Mossman Gorge, Port Douglas, Newell Beach and Cooya Beach) will see drinkable water in their taps within 24 hours.
It is critical that all residents practice level 4 water restrictions. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary water consumption, such as long showers, using the hose for cleaning, filling pools or watering lawns.
‘We must allow the reservoirs to build capacity to ensure water resilience in case another failure occurs, everyone needs to play their part to conserve water as much as possible,’ Mayor Kerr continued.
‘This has been a huge effort by everyone on the water team, and I thank residents for their continued support and patience,’ he said.
For more information on Level 4 Water Restrictions visit the Council website here: https://shorturl.at/hlAG0
Note: Residents can still receive bottled water and water from non-potable water trucks at the following locations from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm tomorrow, Saturday 30 December 2023:
Mossman State High School Sports Centre, Front Street Mossman. Newell Beach Fish and Chip Shop, 42 Marine Parade, Newell Beach. Port Douglas Community Hall, Corner Mowbray and Mudlo Streets, Port Douglas.++++++UPDATE 3pm, December 29++++++
Failure of the Mossman Water Treatment Plant to function has not changed, and a lack of available treated water supply for Douglas Shire continues.
Crews are continuing through a last effort process to get the treatment plant functioning. If this attempt fails, the decision has been made to bypass the water treatment plant with non-potable water. Once this process occurs it will remain in place for an extended period.
Non-potable water can be used for hygiene purposes.
Cooled boiled water can be used for drinking (and pets), cooking, washing raw foods and dishes, making ice, and cleaning teeth.
To boil water, bring water to a rolling boil and allow it to cool. Transfer water to a clean container with a lid and refrigerate.
Bottled drinking water is available today, Friday 29 December 2023 at the following locations:
Mossman State High School Sports Centre, Front Street Mossman. Newell Beach Fish and Chip Shop, 42 Marine Parade, Newell Beach. Port Douglas Community Hall, Corner Mowbray and Mudlo Streets, Port Douglas.Douglas Shire Council employees are working around the clock to alleviate the challenges the Mossman Water Treatment Plant faces.
Please share this information with others, watch our disaster dashboard here https://dashboard.douglas.qld.gov.au/ and follow our Facebook page for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
+++++UPDATE 930am, December 29+++++++
Please be advised that failure of the Mossman Water Treatment Plant to continuously function within the last 24 hours has resulted in a lack of available water supply for Douglas Shire.
Crews are working tirelessly to rectify this problem.
Bottled Drinking water will be available today, Friday 29 December 2023 from 10.00 am at the following locations:
Mossman State High School Sports Centre, Front Street Mossman.Newell Beach Fish and Chip Shop, 42 Marine Parade, Newell Beach. Port Douglas Community Hall, Corner Mowbray and Mudlo Streets, Port Douglas.Water is limited to 2L per person. We ask for your patience during this difficult time and please be respectful when collecting water.
Trucks with non-potable water (for hygiene use) will be parked at the Port Douglas Community Hall and Mossman State Highschool Sports Centre, Front Street Mossman from 10.00 am today, Friday 29 December 2023.
For urgent public health advice head here: https://shorturl.at/kOTUY
+++++++++++++DECEMBER 28++++++++++
Please be advised that failure of the Mossman Water Treatment Plant to continuously function within the last 24 hours has resulted in immediate water preservation measures.
Douglas Shire Council urges all residents, businesses, and visitors to refrain from water use immediately.
Customers are estimated to experience complete water loss starting midnight tonight (12.00 am, 29 December 2023).
Acting CEO Scott Mason, stressed the complexities of the present issues at the treatment plant.
“Despite a mammoth effort to try and get the water treatment plant up and running, we haven’t been successful,” he said.
Landslides from upstream of Rex Creek have caused blockages to the water treatment plant.
“We are working around the clock to alleviate the issue as quickly as possible,” Mr. Mason continued.
In addition, two water pumps deployed from Cairns as an alternative method to transfer water to the treatment plant are experiencing water pressure and air pocket challenges. These challenges have prevented the treatment plant from running correctly.
“An emergency SMS has already been issued to everyone in the area, and we sincerely apologise for this setback,” he said.
An update will be provided by Douglas Shire Council tomorrow morning.
For more information, visit the Douglas Disaster Dashboard here: https://dashboard.douglas.qld.gov.au/
