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Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Renewal

Medium Level Water Restrictions are now in place

Townsville continues to be on medium level water restrictions (formally known as Level 2 restrictions), due to damage to the supply pipeline at the Northern Water Treatment Plant. The pipeline, damaged after the recent weather event in January and February 2025, will keep the plant offline for up to six weeks as repairs begin.

The community’s efforts since November have been appreciated as we've seen a reduction in water use. As repairs continue, we need to stick to these restrictions to ensure a reliable water supply from the Douglas Water Treatment Plant.

Medium level water restrictions include:

Sprinklers can only be used between 5am to 7am and 6pm to 8pm, odds and evens system still applies.
- Evens: Tuesday & Saturday
- Odds: Wednesday & Sunday
Handheld watering can happen at any time.
When washing vehicles and boats, please use buckets or visit a water efficient car wash.
Pressure wash only if you are cleaning hard surfaces other than for safety issues.
Commercial nurseries and market gardens – no watering between 9am and 4pm. When watering outside of this, use water efficient sprinklers only, a handheld trigger or twist nozzle, irrigation system or watering can or bucket.

Investment	$60 million
Jobs	150
Goal	4. A sustainable destination that embraces and participates in the arts, sports and events and recreational activities.
Strategic Purpose	A water security initiative renewing the pipeline connecting Ross River Dam and the Douglas Water Treatment Plant, which will increase the resilience of this key asset.
Status	Completed

Project Overview

Townsville City Council, with the support of the Queensland Government, committed $60 million to the renewal of the Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant (WTP) pipeline.

This key water infrastructure asset is essential in Townsville’s water supply, providing approximately 85% of the city’s water. The existing pipeline ran adjacent to Riverway Drive and crossed Ross River just prior to the treatment plant. It experienced an unexpected failure in December 2020 resulting in a temporary disruption to water supply.

The Ross River Dam to Douglas WTP Pipeline Renewal project has increased the resilience of this key asset, further enhancing Townsville’s water security now and into the future.

The new 9.5km pipeline crosses Ross River closer to the dam and runs parallel to the river through the Department of Defence’s Mount Stuart Training Area before connecting to the Douglas Water Treatment Plant.

This project is part of Council’s investment in water infrastructure and services, continuing our strong focus on water security and ensuring Townsville’s water supply for decades to come to support future development of the city.

The new Ross River Dam to Douglas WTP Pipeline was completed in June 2024.

Crane in use during the Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Renewal

Ross River Crossing Scour Protection Works

Creek Concrete Encasement at Ch. 5.5km along the 9.4km pipeline

Environmental Approval Documents

Environmental approval documents relating to Council’s projects are available on the Projects - Environmental Approval Documents page.

Online Industry Briefing

Council hosted an online briefing for contractors, suppliers and consultants in September 2021.

The first of several tender packages for businesses to participate in the Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Renewal project have been issued.

Council awarded a contract to Steel Mains to supply and deliver the pipe and fittings for the project. This contract will enable construction to start this year, which will enhance Townsville’s water security.

Council is committed to enhancing the city’s water security as Townsville’s population continues to grow.