Water Restrictions
Level 2 water restrictions are now in force within the Townsville area. This excludes Cungulla and Paluma Township service areas (see below for more information).
Level 2 - what it means for me
As a city we need to reduce our water use to make our supply last longer. The more we reduce our consumption, the longer we can delay moving up to higher levels of restrictions. Whilst our dam is currently over 40%, we know how precious our water is, so it is important to implement a considered, wise and sustainable approach towards water use; and ensure we have water security until the $215 million pipeline is built at the end of 2019.
Residential, rural and commercial lawns and gardens
(including school grounds/gardens)
- Sprinklers can be used between 6pm-8pm (odd and evens system)
- Even houses: Tuesday and Saturday
- Odd houses: Wednesday and Sunday
- Handheld Watering permitted at any time on any day
Important Note: The use of weeper hoses has been restricted to Level 2 allocated watering times, people caught using them outside of these times will be fined. Remember that weeper hoses are most effective when used on garden beds and covered by mulch, they are not recommended for use on exposed areas like lawn. |
Washing vehicles and boats
- Permitted
Washing hard surfaces
- Permitted with pressure washers
Sports fields (including school sports fields)
- Sprinklers can be used between 6pm-8pm
- Handheld watering permitted at any time
Commercial nurseries and market gardens
- Watering permitted between 4pm-9am
Turf farms
- Contact Council to arrange for an expert to develop a water efficiency plan for your business
Nurseries
- Watering permitted
Council
Water security is our number one issue in the new City Deal. We're working with the state and federal government to guarantee water security now and into the future. Read more about the Townsville City Deal.
Under Level 2 water restrictions we:
- 24% reduction in irrigation
- no watering between 9am and 4pm.
Water Efficiency Management Plans
Many of Townsville's sporting clubs, schools, commercial nurseries and market gardens, which rely heavily on water for their day to day operations, are operating under an approved Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP).
- Sporting club WEMPs (PDF, 212.0 KB)
- School WEMPs (PDF, 224.2 KB)
- Other WEMPs (PDF, 257.9 KB)
Fines
On the spot fines will be issued to those not complying with water restrictions.
Residential >> $378
Commercial >> $1,828
When you see water being wasted, call our water hotline on 1800 644 749. It's up to all of us to do the right thing.
New turf exemptions
Council has approved exemptions for new turf during Level 2 restrictions.
- 14 day exemption
- Watering allowed every day, during the day with a maximum of 2 hours total per day
- Watering system should comply to restrictions as soon as turf is established or for a maximum of 14 days
Service areas
Townsville’s water supply system is divided into three service areas on the basis of different water sources, being:
- Townsville – serviced from Ross River Dam, Crystal Creek/Paluma Dam system and
the Burdekin system. - Paluma Township – serviced by the Paluma system from a local creek.
- Cungulla – serviced by the Giru Water Treatment Plant from the Haughton River.
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 41.0 KB) - Answers to frequently asked questions about Water Restrictions.
- Irrigation Guide (PDF, 110.5 KB) - A guide for getting the most out of your irrigation.
- Irrigation Health Check (PDF, 1.5 MB) - How to check your system after it has been off for a long time.
- The Value of Water (PDF, 3.1 MB) - Shows the journey of water from the dam to your tap.
- Water Quality (PDF, 195.4 KB) - Frequently asked questions about Townsville's Water Quality.
Read council's water policy to find out more or or email Townsville Water.
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