Supplying safe and clean drinking water everyday
Where does Katherine's water come from?
Before water reaches the tap, it starts its journey in one of two places; the Katherine River or underground in aquifers, which is known as groundwater or bore water.
The Katherine River currently provides the majority of our water supply, with treated groundwater blended in for the remainder. We clean and filter your water in line with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines to ensure any Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) has been removed.
We are able to safely supply water all year round by treating water sourced from the Katherine River and bores.
How we use water in the Katherine region
We are working with the community to reduce our water usage and take the pressure off our groundwater supply so we can continue to meet Katherine's water needs now and into the future.
Katherine is home to over 6,000 people
Katherine's water usage is higher than similar towns
Leaks are the biggest factor contributing to water waste.
To continue providing safe drinking water for Katherine residents is a huge responsibility for Power and Water.
We treat our water to ensure it's safe to drink straight from the tap
Protection and planning
Our current and future needs
As Katherine grows, we are investing in solutions now that can support Katherine's water needs well into the future. Construction of a PFAS treatment plant is underway that will treat up to 10 million litres of water per day. Once operational this will give us more flexibility in how we source water in Katherine to meet demand.
PFAS treatment and monitoring in Katherine
Compulsory water conservation measures
Community leak program
Power and Water's Living Water Smart program is helping the community reduce water us to keep reliance on bore water to 10 per cent, the maximum amount that can currently be treated each day to remove PFAS. The community has done a great job so far with peak water usage down 30per cent, but we need to keep it up.
Find our more about our offers, rebates and Leak Checkers to help you save water.