Reservoir Works - Level 4 Water Restrictions
Critical Water Infrastructure Works: Water for Growth Project
Charters Towers Town Water supply ONLY
NOTICE SUMMARY: The Water for Growth Project is entering a crucial construction phase for Charters Towers water supply. For up to 30 days, only ONE reservoir will remain operational while the second reservoir is safely isolated for major tie-in works.
RESERVOIR COMMISSIONING COMPLETE
Great News! After successfully completing all required testing, inspections and commissioning activities well within the 30-day timeframe allocated, the recently isolated reservoir is now online and supplying the town's water.
As a result, Level 4 water restrictions have now been removed, with normal water use arrangements in place once again.
Please note that updates to the MiWater app will occur overnight and may not be reflected immediately.
This marks the completion of major shutdown works for Package 1 of the Water for Growth Project. Minor works for Package 1 will continue, as well as preparation for Package 2. These works will not require any further restrictions.
Council thanks the community for their patience, understanding and efforts to conserve water throughout the construction and commissioning period.
To protect the Charters Towers drinking water supply during this period, Level 4 Water Restrictions will apply for up to 30 days from Tuesday, 6 October.
Compliance is mandatory to help maintain water security and avoid the need for emergency Level 5 restrictions.
SECURING OUR FUTURE: The Water for Growth Project
Charters Towers Regional Council is progressing key milestones for this landmark Water for Growth project, which will upgrade our local pipeline infrastructure, strengthen the resilience of the water network and support the region’s long-term growth.
To complete this connection of the new infrastructure, major tie-in works will need to be carried out on the primary water storage network (Reservoir).
The community's response to Level 4 water restrictions has been outstanding, with current water consumption data showing a significant reduction in water use while essential Water for Growth works are underway.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE PROJECT
About the Reservoir Works
Why does the reservoir need to be taken offline?
'The World' reservoir forms part of the existing water network. As part of the proposed upgrade works, this reservoir needs to be turned off (isolated and taken out of service) and empty to safely connect to new infrastructure. Once the new connection is completed, the reservoir can be refilled, recommissioned, tested and returned to service.
Why are the works being undertaken now?
The works are being undertaken at this stage because the project has reached the point where the new infrastructure is ready to be tied into the existing network. The timing has been coordinated with the broader Water for Growth construction program.
While an earlier shutdown during the lower-demand period would have been preferable, the required project sequencing and availability of key materials meant the works were not ready to safely proceed at that time.
Why will the works take up to 30 days?
The shutdown involves considerably more than simply connecting two pipes. It includes draining and isolating the reservoir, preparing the work areas, completing the physical tie-ins, welding/construction activities, inspections and testing, coating/curing requirements, commissioning, refilling and returning the reservoir safely to service.
What happens once the works are complete? What is next?
The isolated reservoir will be refilled and recommissioned in consultation with the relevant regulator. This final stage includes partially filling the reservoir, releasing water from the tank, undertaking detailed inspections, and completing water quality testing to ensure all regulatory and operational requirements are met before the reservoir is returned to service.
Understanding the Infrastructure Works
What infrastructure is being connected?
The works connect the new Water for Growth transmission pipeline into the existing Towers Hill reservoir/network infrastructure. The project includes approximately 2.2 km of new transmission pipeline together with associated valves, flow-metering and connection infrastructure.
What works are being undertaken?
The works form part of the Water for Growth project and involve connecting the new transmission pipeline and associated infrastructure into the existing Towers Hill reservoir and water supply network. The works include the required pipework connections, valves and associated testing, commissioning and return-to-service activities.
What does “tie-in works” mean?
A tie-in is simply the physical connection between the new infrastructure and the existing operational water network. Sections of the existing system need to be isolated so the new pipework can be safely connected. (It is like adding a new pipe to the plumbing in your house, you first need to turn off and isolate the water before cutting into the existing pipe and safely connecting the new one).
Why Water Restrictions
Why can't the works be completed without restricting water use?
While ‘The World’ reservoir is offline, Charters Towers will rely on the remaining concrete reservoir, which has a nominal capacity of approximately 9.8 ML, compared with normal town demand of approximately 14 ML per day.
The Water Treatment Plant will continue operating and replenishing the reservoir throughout the works. However, Council must also maintain sufficient stored drinking water as a contingency reserve in the event of an unexpected interruption to treatment or pumping, such as a power failure, equipment breakdown, raw water issue or other operational incident.
Reducing non-essential water use helps maintain this critical reserve, protects essential drinking water supplies and gives Council greater capacity to respond safely if an unexpected event occurs while only one reservoir is available.
If Something Unexpected Happens
What happens if there is an unexpected problem during the works?
Council and the project team will monitor water demand, reservoir levels and network performance throughout the shutdown. Predetermined reservoir level and demand triggers will allow Water Operations to progressively escalate the response if required. If storage reaches critical levels, stronger demand-management measures, including Level 5 restrictions, may be implemented.
For more information about the Water for Growth Project and the works being undertaken, visit Council's project page here.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE WATER NETWORK: One Reservoir in Operation
To allow the safe execution of critical pipeline and infrastructure tie-ins, one primary reservoir (The World) will be taken offline for a period of up to 30 days resulting in storage capacity of one reservoir during this time Mandatory Level 4 Water Restrictions
To safely manage the significantly reduced storage capacity and protect drinking water supply, Level 4 Water Restrictions will be in place across the Water Network for the full 30-day period.
Under Level 4, outdoor watering is not permitted:
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Irrigation Prohibited: |
All automatic watering systems, sprinklers, and fixed micro-spray or drip systems must be shut off. |
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No Hand-Held Watering: |
Hand-held watering of lawns, ornamental gardens, and garden beds via hoses, watering cans, or buckets is strictly prohibited. |
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Hard Surfaces: |
Hosing driveways, footpaths, brickwork, or paved outdoor living spaces is completely banned. |
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Vehicle Washing: |
Washing vehicles or mobile equipment at home is prohibited (except via commercial car washes that recycle water). |
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Plants: |
Residents may use buckets of indoor greywater, excluding kitchen greywater, to water potted plants. Greywater must be collected and used safely.
As defined in the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018, Division 5 - 79, the owner must ensure that:
- Greywater does not cause an odour that unreasonably interferes, or is likely to unreasonably interfere with the use or enjoyment of any other premises; and
- Any ponding or run-off of the greywater does not cause a danger or health risk to anyone.
- Any pooling or run-off must be fully contained on the premises. If the property has a designated, council-approved "land application area" for greywater, it must be contained entirely within that area.
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Pets and Livestock: |
Filling pet bowls, water troughs and livestock water supplies remains permitted to ensure animals have access to water. |
Council will continue to closely monitor the Charters Towers reservoir, with the priority to keep local water use within the required operating limits.
If water levels fall to critical levels or daily use exceeds the set operating limit, Council will need to introduce Level 5 (Critical) Water Restrictions. This includes strict limits on indoor use, such as 3-minute showers.
HOW YOU CAN HELP CONSERVE WATER
We ask all residents and businesses within the Charters Towers town water supply to help conserve water during the construction period. Every small action can make a difference and help protect our water supply.
Simple ways to reduce indoor water use:
- Keep showers short and use a timer to keep track.
- Only run washing machines and dishwashers when they have full loads.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your hands.
- Check taps, toilets and other fixtures for leaks or dripping.
More information on water conservation can be found on Council's Water Restrictions and Conservation page here
Property owners are strongly encouraged to log into the official MiWater Portal to monitor their household’s daily consumption trends and set up automatic leak alerts
Thank you for your cooperation and patience as Council completes this important infrastructure upgrade. Your efforts during this period will help us manage the water network and maintain a secure water supply.
For regular updates on water restrictions and project milestones, follow Council’s Facebook page.
Once these works are complete and the reservoir returned to normal operations, it is anticipated that water restrictions will be lifted and Level 0 restrictions will be reinstated. This will be dependent on water availability and environmental conditions at the time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE WATER RESTRICTIONS
This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide explains the water use requirements that will apply during the construction period for the Water for Growth Project.
During this period, only one reservoir will be operational while major tie-in works are completed. Level 4 Water Restrictions, including a strict NO outdoor watering requirement, will apply across the entire Charters Towers water supply network.
These restrictions are in place to protect the community’s drinking water supply and help manage demand while the network is operating with reduced storage capacity.
Around Your Home & Garden
Can I hand-water my potted plants or vegetable gardens?
No. Under Level 4 Water Restrictions, all outdoor watering is prohibited. This includes using hoses, watering cans or buckets to water garden beds, lawns, potted plants or vegetable gardens. To help protect delicate plants, consider moving potted plants to a shaded area.
How can I keep my plants alive without outdoor watering?
Residents are permitted to capture and recycle indoor greywater (such as cooled water from washing vegetables, rinsing dishes, or clean water collected while waiting for the shower to warm up) to manually keep indoor or delicate patio pots alive. Standard structural greywater systems must comply with normal environmental parameters.
Can I fill, top up or clean my swimming pool or outdoor spa?
No. Filling, topping up or refilling residential swimming pools, portable wading pools or outdoor spas is not permitted during the period.
Can I wash my driveway, paths or patio?
No. Using water to hose or clean outdoor paved surfaces is not permitted. Where there is a safety issue, such as an oil spill, use dry absorbent materials or a mechanical broom where possible.
Animal Care & Pets
Can I fill and clean my pet’s drinking water bowls?
Yes. The health, safety and welfare of domestic pets and livestock are protected. Filling, cleaning and topping up drinking bowls, water troughs and animal water supplies is permitted at any time.
Can I wash my dog or pet under Level 4 Water Restrictions?
Yes, where required for health or flea management. Pets may be washed using a bucket or hand-held container only when required for health or flea management. Using a running hose to wash animals is not permitted.
Commercial Business Operators
Does the ‘No Outdoor Watering’ rule apply to commercial nurseries and agricultural operations?
Some exemptions apply to commercial nurseries, market gardens and primary producers to support essential operations and protect plants, crops and livestock. However, they must strictly optimize their systems, eliminate overspray, and are requested to scale back water volumes by 30% where possible during this single-reservoir window.
Can commercial vehicle wash bays continue to operate?
Commercial car washes may continue to operate where they use an approved water recycling system that reuses at least 70% of process water. Mobile vehicle detailers and residential vehicle washing are not permitted.
Monitoring Water Use
What happens if community water use remains too high during this period?
Council will closely monitor water use and reservoir levels throughout this period. If water consumption exceeds safe levels or the remaining reservoir reaches a critical level, Level 5 Emergency Water Restrictions may need to be introduced.
Level 5 restrictions would include stricter limits on indoor water use, including a maximum three-minute shower time and further restrictions on household water consumption.
STAY INFORMED
Track your household consumption or register for automatic leak detection text notifications online through the official MiWater Portal.
For emergency network faults or restriction exemptions, contact the Council Customer Service Team on (07) 4761 5300.