Statewide heatwaves put pressure on regional water plants
The Mount Morgan community is being asked to reduce its water consumption amid heatwaves with local authorities saying it was putting local reservoirs under strain.
Rockhampton Regional Council is calling for residents to be mindful of how much water they use as temperatures rise across the region.
After several weeks of high water usage across Rockhampton, Mount Morgan’s local reservoirs were reportedly struggling to keep up with demand.
Water Councillor Edward Oram said increased water usage amid heatwaves was expected, but the recent spike in temperatures had been higher than anticipated.
“Our treatment plants have defined processing limits and require consistent water levels to refill reservoirs throughout the day,” Cr Oram said.
“Smaller plants, like the one in Mount Morgan, face greater challenges due to their limited treatment capacity.”
Outdoor watering accounts for up to 75 percent of water use. The council wanted residents to avoid watering between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm when most water evaporates in the heat, and to apply mulch to help soil retain moisture.
Mount Morgan No.7 Dam currently retained healthy water levels, but the council said the main issue was whether the plant can keep up with sustained demand.
“Over the last few weeks, the treatment plant has struggled to recover between peak periods during the day and is not reaching its optimal fill levels,” Cr Oram said.
“Given this, we’re asking Mount Morgan residents to be especially mindful of their water use and to limit non-essential activities.”
Recent weeks have seen heatwave warnings and record temperatures across the state.
Though Mount Morgan Water Treatment Plant faced increased pressure, water consumption has been consistently rising across the region as temperatures rise.
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“The Glenmore Water Treatment Plant has recorded a significant processing increase, rising from an average of 65 million litres per day in September, to over 91 million litres per day in October – a jump of 26 million litres per day in just one month,” Cr Oram said.
“It’s a timely reminder for us all to try and be more waterwise – especially with this week marking National Water Week.”
The Queensland Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers was unable to comment on water restrictions with a spokesperson saying the issue was managed by local water service providers.
While a spokesperson for Minister Ann Leahy said she was away at a conference and was unavailable for comment.
