General News
16 January, 2026
Don’t be silly about water
CAIRNS Regional Council has lifted level 4 water restrictions, with the region returning to permanent water conservation measures following improved conditions across the water supply network.
Level 4 restrictions were introduced late Thursday afternoon (8 January) to reduce drawdown from reservoirs and extend the availability of potable water during forecasted heavy rainfall.
Deputy Mayor Brett Olds said the move back to level 0 reflected a reduced risk to water treatment operations and thanked residents for their rapid response.
“We were really concerned that forecast heavy rainfall would create extended periods of high turbidity in our raw water supplies, which can force water treatment operations to pause,” he said.
“The community’s response to our call to restrict water use was amazing.
“Usage dropped quickly and I want to thank everyone for doing their bit to help protect our water supply.
“Today (Monday 12 January), we are removing level 4 restrictions and returning to permanent water conservation measures.
“Now, the threat of heavy rainfall and the risk to our water treatment plants has passed.”
Under permanent water conservation measures, sprinkler use is permitted on a schedule based on house numbers.
Odd-numbered houses may use sprinklers on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between 5am-9am and 5pm-9 pm, while even-numbered houses may use sprinklers on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday during the same times.
No sprinkler use is permitted on Mondays.
Hand-held hoses fitted with trigger nozzles, watering cans and buckets may be used at any time.
Council CEO Ken Gouldthorp said residents should remain aware that higher-level restrictions might be required again as the wet season continues.
“This may not be the last time we need to introduce higher-level water restrictions,” he said.
“It is still very early in the wet season and level 4 restrictions may need to be reintroduced if severe weather disrupts water treatment operations again.
“This is an important reminder for residents to have stored water as part of their cyclone preparedness.”
Mr Gouldthorp said the council’s priority remained improving storage capacity across the network, including returning the Brinsmead reservoir to service.
“We are progressing the necessary maintenance and testing required to make this happen and enable greater redundancy should our treatment processes be interrupted,” he said.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about current water restrictions, reservoir repair works and water-saving measures as weather conditions revolve.
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