ALERT #24 - BE WATER AWARE

Charters Towers residents and the business community are advised that Council has now moved to a Level 1 Water Restriction.

Level 1 Water Restrictions:

- Micro spray and drip systems fitted with timers can be used from 7pm to 8am on the odds and evens system.

- Sprinklers can be used from 6am to 8am and 7pm to 9pm on the odds and evens system.

- Hand-held hoses, watering cans, and buckets can be used at any time.

- Paved areas can only be cleaned with high-pressure water cleaners.

Facilities Update:

- Saleyards washdown to OPEN

- KRMP 50m pool to OPEN when operation is restored, expected this week.

- KRMP 25m heated pool to remain OPEN

- Waterpark to remain OPEN

- Standpipes to remain OPEN

What is the current situation?

- The main intake at the weir is offline due to suspected damage or blockage. A temporary suction line is supplying water at reduced capacity, with the weir river level at 1.7m above the weir wall.

What caused the recent restrictions?

- Heavy rainfall in the Burdekin River catchment raised the weir river level, forcing Council to remove the temporary suction line to prevent damage. The line was restored late last week, and Level 4 restrictions remained over the weekend due to uncertainty over the river level and to help restore full water supply capacity.

What is Council doing to fix the issue?

- Council is in the process of getting systems in place so it can safely work at the weir intake.

- When Council can safely access the weir main intake it will investigate the issue and plan for the restoration work.

- Council is preparing an alternate suction line that should be able to be left in place but require the weir river level to drop further before installing.

- All the above is dependent on weather, river height, and availability of resources to undertake the works.