Water Restrictions

Burdekin Shire Council is undertaking a critical milestone in the South Ayr Filtration Plant upgrade to improve the town’s long-term water quality and reliability. Temporary Stage 1 Water Restrictions are needed to maintain supply during these works.

 

From 7 November to 7 December 2025, temporary Stage 1 Water Restrictions will apply to Ayr, Alva and Brandon while Council undertakes a critical stage of the South Ayr Filtration Plant upgrade.

This work involves cutting a connection into the 10 ML storage tank – a technically complex but essential step to link the town’s main storage to the new filtration plant. To complete the work safely, the 10 ML tank must be taken offline for up to 30 days.

During this time, Ayr’s water supply will rely solely on the older 1 ML tank, placing extra pressure on the system. Council is asking Ayr, Alva and Brandon residents and businesses to help maintain supply by aiming for a community target of 10 ML per day, which is less than 1,500 litres per household per day.

These restrictions apply to Ayr, Alva and Brandon only - Giru, Home Hill, and Mt Kelly are not affected, and households with their own private bores are exempt.

Council encourages all households and businesses to do their part by limiting non-essential outdoor use, checking for leaks, and using water-efficient practices.

Council’s water operations team has successfully kept PFAS levels below detectable limits for more than 12 months, and with the community’s cooperation, we can continue to protect our water quality throughout the works.

Businesses requiring an exemption from the temporary restrictions should contact Council’s Water and Wastewater team on (07) 4783 9800.

 

 

Why this work is important

The South Ayr Filtration Plant upgrade is a major investment in the town’s future water security. The works will deliver improved filtration capacity, reliability, and water quality for the community. This temporary restriction period will allow the final connection between the town’s main storage and the new plant to be completed safely.

 

How You Can Help

• Limit watering to essential needs only.

• Water early in the morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation.

• Check taps, hoses and toilets for leaks.

• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and footpaths.

• Delay washing cars or filling pools until after the restriction period if possible.

 

Click here for water saving tips

 

Permitted Watering Practices (Only on Designated Watering Days)

 

Sprinkler Systems
• Use of all sprinkler types —- including pop-up, rotating, and oscillating systems

Drip Irrigation Systems 

• Must be used only for plant beds and gardens.

Watering Cans

• Encouraged for targeted watering to reduce waste.

Check your schedule based on the watering days below.

 

Prohibited Watering Practices on Exclusion Days

Sprinkler Systems
• Use of all sprinkler types —- including pop-up, rotating, and oscillating systems - is not permitted.

Irrigation Systems (Non-drip)
• Non-drip irrigation systems, such as spray, rotor, and soaker hose systems, are prohibited.

Hand Watering with a Hose
• The use of hoses for hand watering is not permitted on exclusion days, even when fitted with a trigger nozzle.

 

Watering Days

Residents are asked to minimise watering to up to three days per week.

• No watering on Mondays.
• Odd numbered street addresses may water on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday.
• Even numbered street addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

 

Need Help?

For more information or to apply for exemptions, contact:

Water and Wastewater Team: Phone: 4783 9800