Council warning on water use

Big wet causes slowdown in treatment plant’s capacity

DOUGLAS Shire residents have been told to use water sparingly in the wake of the heavy rain that pummelled the region, with water intakes blocked.

The region’s treatment plants have been running at a reduced production capacity following the big wet in the

Daintree, Mossman and Port Douglas across the Anzac Day long weekend, with silt, sand and vegetation “stopping a full flow of water”.

Council has asked for a conservative approach to water consumption due to the high turbidity levels capable of halting the treatment process, which is required to make clean and safe water.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said he expected things to be back to normal today.

“Everything floats down the rivers so you have all the branches and leaves, dirt and it all goes down the river and when it hits the area where it drops down into the catchment, it blocks,” he said.

“It causes a scenario where less water is actually going through to the plant to be processed, so they are constantly having to clear the filters to allow a normal amount of water to go in.”

Flooding also delayed the rubbish collection process in the Daintree Village and north of the Daintree River following more than 400mm of rain.

Waste bins will be collected today with recycling bins to be removed on Thursday.

Cr Kerr praised the efforts of emergency services and council staff for their response to the heavy rains over the weekend, which resulted in the Daintree Ferry reopening quickly on Tuesday.

“I don’t think the general community knows what happens and what goes on behind the scenes when events like that occur,” he said.

“Everyone has staff on board to ensure the community’s safety.”