News 

Residents in Greater Brisbane urged to conserve water

29 January 2013

Statement from Seqwater CEO Terri Benson

Due to record turbidity levels in the Brisbane River as a result of the extreme weather from ex Tropical Cyclone Oswald, the Mt Crosby Water Treatment Plant is currently offline.

The bulk water supply demand across the region is currently being met and Seqwater is continuing to work with council distribution retailers to monitor the situation carefully.

Due to the shutdown of Mt Crosby, Seqwater and your local water retailer are urging all residents in Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Redlands, Moreton Bay, Lockyer, Somerset and Scenic Rim to conserve water over the next 24–48 hours while the bulk water supplies are replenished.

Mt Crosby is the region’s largest water treatment plant and supplies the majority of Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan city council’s drinking water. 

The turbidity levels in the Brisbane River are four times the level experienced during the January 2011 flood event and are expected to take up to 48 hours to dissipate.

While the Mt Crosby Water Treatment Plant is offline, Seqwater is using the Water Grid to move water from a number of different bulk water sources across the region including, the Gold Coast Desalination Plant. Seqwater is also managing the power, communication technology and site access issues at a number of sites across the region.

Seqwater is working closely with local councils and distribution retailer authorities to ensure a balance is achieved between bulk water supply and demand.

As a result of the large flows entering the region’s water sources, a number of those sources are currently experiencing high levels of manganese. Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral and customers may notice discolouration and odour. It can also stain plumbing fixtures and laundry.

Seqwater will provide regular updates on the situation.

ENDS.

For further details contact the Seqwater Communications unit on: 

Ph: (07) 3247 3000 | Email: media@seqwater.com.au