Water Treatment

1. Water Source and Collection
Water is collected from natural sources such as rivers and creeks across the Cassowary Coast region. We have four primary water sources:

• North Johnstone River
• Nyleta Creek
• Boulder Creek and Bulgun Creek
• Meunga Creek

These sources are monitored closely to ensure the water we collect is of the highest quality possible before it begins the treatment process.

2. Screening and Filtration
Before water enters our treatment plants, it undergoes screening to remove large debris and particles such as leaves, twigs, and sediment. This step is essential to prevent damage to the treatment equipment and to prepare the water for further purification.

3. Disinfection and Chlorination
Once the water is screened, it is disinfected to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. Chlorination is a common disinfection method used in our water treatment plants. Chlorine is added to the water in precise amounts to kill any remaining microorganisms, ensuring the water is safe for drinking.

4. Advanced Treatment and Filtration
In addition to chlorination, some of our water sources undergo advanced filtration to remove finer particles and improve water clarity. This includes the use of activated carbon, sand filters, and other filtration systems designed to provide the highest level of purity.

5. Storage and Distribution
After the water is treated, it is stored in reservoirs before being pumped through our extensive network of pipes to homes, businesses, schools, and other establishments. We maintain 31 water reservoirs across the region to ensure a consistent and reliable water supply.

The water is carefully monitored and tested at multiple points in the treatment and distribution process to maintain water quality. We also have a series of chlorination stations located throughout the region to further maintain water safety and quality.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council operates several water treatment plants, each serving different parts of the community. Here’s a breakdown of our water treatment facilities:

• Innisfail Water Treatment Plant: The largest in our region, this facility treats water sourced from the North Johnstone River. It is the only water treatment plant in the region with a full filtration system, ensuring the highest water quality for over 6,000 properties.
• Nyleta Water Treatment System: This system treats water sourced from Nyleta Creek and South Liverpool Creek, serving over 2,000 properties across the Mission Beach area and beyond.
• Tully Water Treatment System: Serving the Tully region, water is treated from Boulder Creek and Bulgun Creek. We have a backup system that switches between the two sources, ensuring clean water even during wet weather events.
• Cardwell Water Treatment System: Water sourced from Meunga Creek is treated and stored in reservoirs before being pumped to the Cardwell community. This system is supported by a bore on Ellerbeck Road to avoid boil water alerts during heavy rain.

Our team consistently monitors water quality through a rigorous testing and maintenance schedule. We perform regular tests to ensure the treated water meets strict health and safety standards. These tests check for:

• Chlorine levels
• pH balance
• Turbidity (clarity of water)
• Pathogen levels

If any irregularities are detected, our team takes immediate action to ensure water quality is restored.

Water treatment is critical to protecting public health. Without proper treatment, water can contain harmful microorganisms, pollutants, or chemicals that pose risks to health. By investing in state-of-the-art water treatment processes, we ensure that every drop of water that reaches your tap is safe for drinking, cooking, and other everyday uses.