Dam levels drop as water use soars

Fraser Coast residents are being encouraged to reduce their water use in the wake of the latest figures showing dam levels are dropping while water use is soaring.

Mayor George Seymour said although the region’s water supplies were still in good shape with Lake Lenthall at 67 per cent and Teddington Weir at 84 per cent, water levels were dropping by about one to two per cent a week.

“The Fraser Coast’s water supplies rely on rainfall, and unfortunately our catchments have only received about 60 per cent of their usual rainfall over the past ten months with a hot, dry summer forecast,” he said.

“Unless we get significant rain very soon, level two water restrictions are just around the corner.”

Level two water restrictions on the Fraser Coast are medium-level restrictions that focus on reducing outdoor water use, such as limiting the use of sprinklers and irrigation systems to three nights a week.

Cr Zane O’Keefe said the average daily water consumption was increasing as the weather heated up.

“From 13 to 26 October, average daily water consumption in Hervey Bay was 28 ML, and in Maryborough, it was 10 ML,” he said.

“That’s up significantly on the average for September of 23 ML per day in Hervey Bay and 8 ML per day in Maryborough.

“Council is encouraging Fraser Coast residents to keep an eye on their water use as it will not only save you money by helping avoid a big water bill, it will help conserve our region’s water supplies.”

Cr Seymour said Council had a range of water-wise tips on its website - https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/water-saving-tips - while details of current level one water restrictions were available here - https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/water-restrictions

“It might be mulching your garden, using a swimming pool cover or watering in the early morning or evening – every little bit helps, especially during these dry times,” he said.

Cr David Lee said Council recognised that water was our most valuable resource, and was developing a water grid as recommended in the ‘Fraser Coast Water Supply Security Strategy – Planning Report’.

“The planning for the water grid – a pipeline connecting the Hervey Bay and Maryborough water supply networks – is progressing, with a concept design and preferred route expected by the end of the year,” he said.

“By connecting our two service areas into a single network, water can be pumped both to and from Maryborough and Hervey Bay.

“It will mean we will have a more resilient and efficient water supply network, as it would mean more use of the region’s water collection, treatment and storage assets.”

Cr Seymour said developing a business case for a Hervey Bay desalination plant was listed in Council’s ‘Priority Advocacy Projects 2024’ document, which will be used to seek partnerships and commitments from the Australian and Queensland Governments to support local priorities.

“The water supply security strategy recommended we design and build a desalination plant by 2036 so it’s important that we prepare a business case for when funding opportunities arise,” he said.

A copy of Council’s water supply security strategy and other water strategies is available here - https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/securing-water-future