Townsville Water Updates

Organic compounds detected in water supply

Council is currently detecting low concentrations of two harmless, naturally-occurring organic compounds in some parts of the water network across Townsville, which may give the water an earthy taste and odour.

This is commonly associated with compounds produced by blue-green algae called MIB (2-Methylisoborneol) and geosmin. These compounds have no health-based targets, and they do not pose a risk to public health. While there might be some aesthetic issues, water remains totally safe for consumption and within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

What you need to know:

  • The compounds have no health effects, and the water is safe to drink and use for normal purposes.

  • You can add lemon juice or chill the water in the refrigerator to improve the taste.

  • MIB and geosmin cannot be removed from water using routine treatment processes and require more rigorous processes.

  • Reduce your water intake, if possible, to reduce the demand on the water treatment plant.

What are we doing:

  • We are actively monitoring water quality and adjusting treatment processes, including activated carbon dosing, to reduce taste and odour impacts.

  • Our team is working to minimise the presence of these compounds while maintaining compliance with drinking water guidelines.

  • We are working closely with highly regarded water quality experts on an on-going basis to manage blue-green algae in accordance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines as a long-term approach.

For more information and to learn more about blue-green algae, visit:

Blue-Green Algae in Ross River Dam

Medium Level Water Restrictions Lifted, Permanent Water Conservation Measures Are Now in Place

The Northern Water Treatment Plant has officially resumed operations, following extensive repairs to the pipeline damaged during early 2025’s severe weather events. With the plant now back online, medium level water restrictions have been lifted, and Townsville’s water supply is once again being supported by both the Northern and Douglas treatment facilities.

This means the permanent water conservation that forms part of ongoing water conservation initiative is now in place.

What this means for you:

  • Sprinkler use is operating on an Odds and Evens System from 5pm to 8am Tuesday to Sunday.

    • Evens: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

    • Odds: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

  • Handheld watering is unrestricted, although the recommendation is for early morning and evening where possible.

  • Hard surface, vehicle, and boat washing can be done using pressure washers or a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.

For more tips and info on water conservation, visit:

Our Water Smart City

Townsville Water is committed to providing safe, reliable and cost-effective water services to the Townsville community. Townsville Water is a registered Service Provider under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008. The network is extensively tested on a regular basis to ensure all water meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Water Restriction Levels by Categories of Use

For full details please read Council's Water Restriction Policy.

More Information

For more water smart tips visit Our Water Smart City page.

For more information and statistics on our water services including water production capacity, please visit Townsville Dashboards.