Townsville’s water supply restored – a testament to resilience and collaboration

The Townsville community is celebrating a major milestone as the northern pipeline, which supplies 15 per cent of the city’s daily water needs, is officially back online. 

This achievement marks the end of medium-level water restrictions and highlights the power of collaboration between all levels of government, local contractors, and the community.

The project, funded through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), was a significant undertaking after the pipeline suffered extensive damage during the record-breaking weather events of earlier this year. 

The restoration project involved clearing over 6,000 tonnes of landslide debris, rebuilding 85 metres of road, and recommissioning the pipeline intake structure with the help of a specialist dive team.

The Townsville community also played a vital role during the restoration period by conserving water and adapting to medium-level restrictions.

With the northern pipeline now back online, Townsville residents can manage their water usage with full confidence. 

However, as a dry tropics city, water conservation remains a priority in Townsville, and residents are still encouraged to continue using water wisely. 

With 70 per cent of the city’s water usage attributed to outdoor activities such as watering lawns and gardens, adopting sustainable practices remains essential to the city's future.

In securing funding for the repairs and through project delivery, Townsville City Council, the Queensland Government and the Commonwealth worked closely to restore this critical infrastructure for the city.

The project is also a showcase for local contractor CivilPlus Constructions, whose hard work and technical expertise ensured the complex restoration was completed successfully. 

The successful restoration of the northern pipeline is a shining example of resilience, teamwork, and the community spirit that defines Townsville. 

For more information on water-saving measures and Townsville’s water supply, visit Townsville City Council’s Water Supply and Dams webpage.