Douglas Shire residents are being encouraged to think water-wise as the dry season continues to lower water levels in local catchments meaning water restrictions could be introduced as early as next week.

A lack of rain during the wet season has led to reduced flows at Rex Creek, which supplies Port Douglas and Mossman, with the intake level dropping about 10mm per day.

Douglas Shire Council staff have begun contacting landscapers to advise that Level 1 Water Restrictions are likely to turn on next week.

Council is offering a free mulch giveaway for domestic use this weekend from the Killaloe Transfer Station in an effort to get green thumbs thinking about ways to conserve water in the garden.

Council’s Manager of Water & Wastewater, Peter Tonkes, said encouraging consumers to be more water-wise during drier periods was a great way to reduce demand on a diminishing source.

“The intake level is dipping towards 300mm which means we need everyone to look at how we can reduce our water usage, particularly in the backyard,” he said.

“This could be by using mulch when gardening, using a bucket to wash your boat, or watering on alternate evenings when it is cooler, and evaporation is not an issue.

“Council staff are closely monitoring the water levels and working closely with our heavy water users to reduce demand.”

Mayor Michael Kerr encouraged everyone to be water-wise and take advantage of the free mulch offer this weekend.

“The sun keeps shining and we have been getting these beautiful days, but unfortunately we aren’t getting any rain,” he said.

“Mulching helps slow moisture evaporation, keeping more water in the soil and available to thirsty plant roots.”

The free mulch is on offer from Friday 28 August to Monday 31 August at the Killaloe Transfer Station only Monday to Saturday from 8:00am to 5:30pm and Sundays from 9:00am to 5:30pm.

The offer of free mulch applies to domestic users only. Vehicles weighing up to GVM 4.5 tonnes maximum with a maximum of four cubic metres per load.