Common Questions
How do I apply to change my water pricing plan?
Residential customers of Townsville Water now have the option of two water pricing plans.
Please follow this link for more information.
Are water restrictions still in place, if so what are they?
Water restrictions have been in place since 1996.
Follow this link for more information on our current water restrictions.
Can I use grey water (water from showers and laundries etc) to water my yard?
Recent amendments to the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002 allows residents in sewered areas to apply for approval to install greywater use facilities (Class 1A dwellings only). Greywater from showers, basins, laundry, baths, and clothes washers can be reused for subsurface irrigation or manual 'bucketing' into household lawns and gardens. However, kitchen greywater is not allowed due to a higher potential of problems associated with food waste and grease, including clogged pipes and increased potential health risks.
Please follow this link for more information on greywater reuse in sewered areas.
Does council recycle?
Yes. We have two major recycling programs at council. This includes continually improving treatment plant facilities to produce greater amounts of recycled water. Currently, this recycled water is used for various activities such as irrigation of golf courses and treatment plant grounds. Gases created from wastewater treatment are recycled to generate electricity. Up to 60% of the energy requirements at the treatment plants are provided by this recycling method.
Follow these links for more information on the Horseshoe Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility and the Magnetic Island Water Recycling Plant.
How often is my water meter read?
The majority of residential meters are read up to four times a year to monitor water consumption.
Courtesy letters encouraging more efficient water use are sent to properties recording a higher than average consumption.
Follow this link for more information on water meters.
Why has my water meter been replaced?
Council's water meter replacement program involves exchanging water meters that have been in place for eight or more years. This program aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of water consumption measurement.
How do I apply for a different sized water meter or to relocate my meter?
We will provide a quote to either add, resize or relocate a meter.
Fees applicable for the relocation of a meter will be detailed as part of our quote and will be invoiced after the job is complete. Once the quote has been accepted, we will commence the proposed work.
Follow this link for more information on private works quotations.
Commercial/Relocation of Meter:
You will need to submit a Site Plan showing the new location of the water meter.
Plans must show two dimensions, for example the distances from side boundary and front boundary.
Fees applicable for the relocation of a meter will be detailed as part of our quote and will be invoiced after the job is complete. Once the quote is accepted, we will commence the proposed work.
Residential/Relocations of Meter:
You will need to submit a Site Plan showing the new location of the water meter.
Plans must show two dimensions, for example the distances from side boundary and front boundary.
Fees will be charged for the disconnection of a meter at the existing site and for the reconnection of a meter to a proposed location.
How do I apply for a new water meter or wastewater service connection?
To apply for a new water meter/wastewater (sewerage) service connection, applicants will need to complete the Application Form for Compliance Assessment (Form 1).
You will also need to fill out the Application Form for Proposed Plumbing and Drainage Work (Form 2) under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002 and as listed below.
These forms should be submitted to Planning & Economic Development.
Please follow this link to download a copy of these forms.
Water Connection:
Form 2 - Section 5 will need to be completed, with details of the size of service to be noted.
The completed application needs to be accompanied by a Site Plan showing the proposed location of the water meter. Plans must show two dimensions, for example distances from the side boundary and the front boundary.
Applicable fees will be charged for the size of the proposed water meter and relevant connection.
Information on fees is available from Fees and Charges Schedule.
Sewerage Connection:
Form 2 - Section 6 will need to be completed.
A request for private works quotation will also need to be completed.
The completed application will need to be accompanied by a Site Plan showing the proposed work to be carried out.
Fees applicable for sewerage connection will be detailed as part of our quote and will be invoiced after the job is complete. Once the quote has been accepted, we will commence the proposed work.
How do I apply to disconnect an existing service?
To disconnect an existing water/wastewater service, applicants will need to complete the Application Form for Compliance Assessment (Form 1), detailing the site address for connection.
Application Form for Proposed Plumbing and Drainage Work (Form 2), will also need to be completed, as required by the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002 as listed below.
These forms should be submitted to Planning & Economic Development.
Please follow this link to download a copy of these forms.
Water Disconnection:
Form 2 - Section 5 is to be completed. Fees are applicable. Refer to Fees and Charges Schedule.
Wastewater Disconnection:
Form 2 - Section 6 needs to be completed. You will need to provide a reason for wanting to disconnect the service. Fees are applicable.
How do I apply for restoration or reconnection of an existing service?
To apply for restoration or reconnection of an existing service, applicants will need to complete the Application Form for Compliance Assessment (Form 1), detailing the site address for connection.
Application Form for Proposed Plumbing and Drainage Work (Form 2), will also need to be completed.
These forms should be submitted to Planning & Economic Development.
Please follow this link to download a copy of these forms.
Water Connection:
Form 2 - Section 5 needs to be completed, with details on size of service noted.
The completed application will need to be accompanied by a Site Plan showing the proposed location of water meter. Plans must show two dimensions, for example distances from the side boundary and the front boundary.
Fees are applicable to the size of the proposed water meter and relevant connection, as detailed under the Fees and Charges Schedule.
Sewerage Connection:
Form 2 - Section 6 needs to be completed.
A request for private works quotation will also need to be completed, detailing the work to be carried out.
The completed application will need to be accompanied by a Site Plan showing the proposed work to be carried out.
Fees will be detailed as part of our quote and will be invoiced after the work is complete. Once the quote is accepted, we will commence the proposed work.
What happens when I purchase a property?
Once the Solicitors have processed all the necessary paperwork for the sale of the property they will lodge the settlement/transfer of ownership documents with the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM). These documents are lodged with the Titles Office to change the name on the title deed for the property. DERM will then inform Council of the change of ownership. This process can take up to six weeks.
Any adjustments for water usage/excess water should be calculated at the time of settlement, usually by the Solicitor. Residential properties are billed yearly for Water Usage (if on Water Watcher Plan) or Excess Water (if applicable on Standard Plan). If there are any charges the owner of the property will receive the account, after the final meter reading of the water year.
How do I find out if my property is in a water or wastewater service area?
Council is required to declare water and wastewater service areas. The service areas are now available in TAM free of charge to the public.
For more information, please contact the Customer Service Centre on 4727 9000 or send an email to Townsville Water.
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Water Meters
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