Planned Interruptions

Except in emergencies and for short duration interruptions, Council is obliged to notify customers at least two days in advance of any interruption to service by delivering a written notice to the mailbox or under the front door of each affected property.  Under certain circumstances, such as those described below, we may need to interrupt or limit your water supply:

• If we need to inspect, maintain, repair or replace any part of the system;
• When new mains are being connected to the system;
• When there are periods of declared water supply restrictions; or
• If there is a possibility of a significant public health risk, a likelihood of serious injury to persons or damage to property or another emergency arising from the continuance of the service.

In such circumstances, Council will make every reasonable effort to limit disruption to services.  If you rely on consistent water supply for medical conditions, please join our Vulnerable Persons Register so that we can make arrangements for you to access water during these periods.

For further details about planned service interruptions, please read the Water and Wastewater Customer Service Standards. ( PDF, 1.44 MB )

Unplanned Interruptions

Sometimes, things happen to the water network that are unexpected, when it is not possible to provide notice of interruption to service.  In these circumstances, we will complete all work as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimise disruption to the daily routines of our customers.  Incidents that may cause unplanned interruptions include water main breaks, high turbidity rainfall events and electrical issues at the water treatment plants.

Vulnerable Persons Register

As a water service provider, Douglas Shire Council is required to maintain a drinking water quality management plan.  The plan requires Council to maintain a register of vulnerable people such as older persons, those in the community with weakened immune systems and those who rely on a constant water supply for medical conditions.  At times when there may be issues with the water supply or outages due to maintenance, Council works with people on the vulnerable persons register to assist them in such events.

If you, or someone you know, relies on a water supply for machinery that aids their medical condition (e.g. dialysis machine), or who has a condition that relies on a constant water supply, please register with Council by downloading the registration form at the link below, or calling 07 4099 9444 to request a form to be sent to you (registration conditions apply).

• Registration of Vulnerable Person – Water Quality & Supply

*Please note: that all personal information provided by you on the form for the purpose of processing your registration, and the details held on the Vulnerable Persons Register, will be handled in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 and will only be accessed and used by persons who have been authorised to do so.

If you would like further information, would like to discuss the Vulnerable Persons Register, or any water quality matters, please contact Council’s Water and Wastewater staff on 07 4099 9444.