Despite the official warnings, Katherine’s water use remains fixed in the “red zone”.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
For the second week running, the town’s water use has moved into the safe buffer between use and available supply of PFAS free water.
Water officials have recommended Katherine residents take shorter showers and reduce garden watering.
More severe water restrictions may have to be introduced as the weather continues to heat up and water use traditionally rises.
The next stage of restrictions are likely to mean a total ban on garden water.
At the moment the town is continuing under an odds and evens watering regime for its second year.
Power and Water has revealed a new water treatment plant capable to clean PFAS from all the town’s water is unlikely to be installed until late next year at the earliest.
The red zone indicates water consumption is greater than 10 million litres per day.
Power Water said the current water use is really testing the capacity of its treatment plant’s limited ability to supply PFAS free water.
An emergency plant was installed last year but is only capable of cleaning PFAS from one million litres of contaminated bore per day.
Water services regional coordinator Ron Davidson said compulsory water conservation measures have been effective in reducing daily demand.
More reading:
Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
