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.

Dan McIvor | Senior Field Supervisor, Power and Water

We  treat our water to ensure it's safe to drink straight from the tap Katherine: Water sourced Katherine River and ten per cent ground water. It is then treated, tested, stored and delivered to homes.

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

To ensure our groundwater is clean and safe to drink we are working with the Department of Defence to build a permanent PFAS treatment plant in Katherine.

Learn more about PFAS monitoring and treatment

Compulsory water conservation measures

We are working to increase the amount of groundwater we can treat, but until then, we need to take the pressure off our groundwater supply. Measures are now in place to reduce water usage.

Learn more about compulsory water conservation measures

Community leak program

Our Living Water Smart Leak Checkers are here to help you identify leaks around your home. If a leak is found, you may be eligible for a $200 Leak Find and Fix rebate.

Find and fix leaks

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.

Start Living Water Smart