Declining water levels in Rex Creek, which provides water for Mossman and Port Douglas, has prompted Cairns Regional Council to urge residents to be careful with usage of the precious resource.

A report to Council’s Water and Waste Committee last week revealed that drier than usual weather conditions have lowered the levels in Rex Creek and if the declining trend continues, water restrictions could be necessary.

“We want to let residents know now that levels are declining so that they can take whatever measures they can to reduce their daily usage and possibly avoid restrictions having to be put in place,” Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said.

“The water level in Rex Creek is the lowest it’s been in three years and with no significant rain on the horizon, we need to be very conscious of our water usage and try to conserve wherever we can.”

Council will begin a community awareness campaign about conserving water as well as directly talk with the largest water users in the area.

The last time restrictions were required was in 2009, but since then, improvements in monitoring and understanding the Rex Creek supply, enabling Council to start an awareness campaign to reduce the escalation of possible water restrictions.

In addition, Council will also make preparations in the event that emergency pumping from the Mossman River is required to supplement the water supply.

Permanent water conservation measures are in place for private gardens and commercial watering. 

Residents are advised to only irrigate gardens within the following times:

• Odd-numbered houses permitted to use sprinklers on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between the hours of 5am - 9am and 5pm - 9pm.
• Even-numbered houses permitted to use sprinklers on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday between the hours of 5am - 9am and 5pm - 9pm.
• No sprinkler use permitted on Monday.
• Hand-held hoses with a trigger nozzle, watering cans and buckets can be used at any time.