The Dayboro Water Supply Scheme supplies drinking water to the township of Dayboro. Located north-west of Brisbane, Dayboro is not currently connected to the SEQ Water Grid and its water supply is sourced from underground wells which draw from an alluvial aquifer along the North Pine River. Water is pumped to, and treated at, Seqwater’s Dayboro Water Treatment Plant before being transferred to Unitywater’s distribution network to the local community.  

Extreme weather events, including droughts and floods, have caused major erosion and changes to the riverbed. Investigations suggest these events have changed how the river flows and in turn, reduced the amount of water that can flow into the underground wells.    

The demand for water in Dayboro is also increasing. Seqwater supplements supply via water tankers during peak times, or during drought and wet weather events which affect the raw water quality in the river. Seqwater and local water supply partner Unitywater, work together to ensure water supply is maintained to the community.  

As part of our investigations, we explored a number of options including a raw water pipeline from North Pine Dam, an off-stream storage, and a grid-connected treated water pipeline.  A range of factors were considered through these early investigations, including water quality, water security and operability, costs and locations, as well as environmental, social and cultural heritage assessments.  

Water security planning is a complex process, and we appreciate the community’s understanding as we work to deliver the best option for Dayboro. 

Currently, Seqwater and Unitywater work together to enact the Dayboro Drought Response Plan when required.  The plan can be viewed on our website here.  Dayboro’s Drought Response Plan uses triggers and associated responses to ensure water supply is maintained to the community.  

A connection to the SEQ Water Grid would eliminate the need for water carting to Dayboro due to drought or flood. The SEQ Water Grid is a unique interconnected bulk water supply network designed to ensure a reliable and secure water supply for our region. 

However, like other areas connected to the Grid, Dayboro may still experience drought conditions and water restrictions during extreme scenarios.  

The route of the pipeline is yet to be determined, however it is expected that the route will mainly utilise existing road corridors and Seqwater-owned land. Our team will undertake the necessary investigations to inform a proposed route and are committed to further engagement as planning progresses.   

A Preliminary Business Case (PBC) is underway and expected to be completed in 2026. Our team will be able to provide further information, including construction timing, following the completion of the PBC. We understand the community is interested in the project, and we will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.