Katherine water supply

14 Dec 2009

Power and Water utilises a combination of groundwater and treated Katherine River water to ensure a constant supply of good quality water to Katherine.

Recent rain showers have washed considerable material including dirt and ash into the Donkey Camp Pool in the Katherine River, from which Power and Water extracts water. This material resulted in some coloured water entering the water supply system earlier in the week.

To maintain quality of supplies Power and Water has made the decision to transfer water supplies totally to groundwater.

This is standard operating practice when turbidity (or dirt) in the river rises and quality decreases significantly. This typically occurs at the beginning of the Wet Season each year.

Consumers will notice an increase in the taste and hardness of water reflecting the use of groundwater. Consumers may also notice higher levels of chlorine taste and odour.

This reflects the current high temperatures and high water use. Use of groundwater will continue until Donkey Camp Pool stabilises or improves in its quality.

Water consumption has increased significantly over the last couple of weeks and is currently around 15 million litres of water a day. This is 50% higher than typical consumption levels for the same period over the last several years. Power and Water has asked a number of major customers to restrict irrigation usage, including Tindal RAAF Base and the Katherine Town Council, and both have assisted and supported Power and Water's requests. Power and Water would ask that all customers consider and moderate their current water use.