Drinking Water
We aim to be an innovative water service provider, known for commercial performance, regional leadership, client and regulator respect and sustainability.
This vision is detailed in our Customer Charter, which sets service delivery guidelines for our community.
Our Region, Our Water
Council sources water from the Dumbleton and Marian Weirs and underground bores to supply safe, clean drinking water.
Below is an overview of our water schemes, sources, treatment facilities and the towns they serve.
|
Water source |
Treatment facility |
Towns supplied |
| Bloomsbury |
Bloomsbury Bore (O'Connell River) |
Bloomsbury Water Treatment Plant |
Bloomsbury |
| Calen |
Calen Bores |
Calen Water Treatment Plant |
Calen, Kolijo |
| Eton |
Eton Bores |
Eton Water Treatment Plant |
Eton |
| Finch Hatton |
Finch Hatton Bore |
Finch Hatton Treatment Facility |
Finch Hatton |
| Gargett |
Gargett Bores (Cattle Creek) |
Gargett Treatment Facility |
Gargett, Pinnacle |
| Koumala |
Koumala Bores |
Koumala Treatment Facility |
Koumala |
| Mackay & Sarina |
Dumbleton Weir (Pioneer River) |
Nebo Road Water Treatment Plant |
Mackay, Walkerston, Sarina, Alligator Creek, Freshwater Point, Sarina Beach, Armstrong Beach, Grasstree Beach, Hay Point |
| Mackay Bores |
Bally Keel Bore |
Bally Keel Bore Treatment Facility |
Mackay |
| Sarina Bores |
Sarina Bores |
Sarina Bores Treatment Facility |
Sarina |
| Marian |
Marian Weir (Pioneer River) |
Marian Water Treatment Plant |
Marian, Mirani |
| Marian Bores |
Marian Bores |
Marian Bores Treatment Facility |
Marian, Mirani |
| Mirani |
Mirani Bore |
Mirani Bore Treatment Facility |
Mirani |
| Midge Point |
Crystal Brook Bores (Pioneer River) |
Midge Point Treatment Facility |
Midge Point, Laguna Quays |
This infrastructure ensures reliable, high-quality water supply across the region.
The Quality of Our Water
Mackay’s water is of the highest quality, rigorously tested by our Water Laboratory Services to meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines set by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Our award-winning water speaks for itself:
| Year |
Award |
Facility |
| 2023 |
WIOA Water of Origin Taste Test (QLD vs NSW) - Winner |
Mackay (Nebo Rd) WTP |
| 2022 |
WIOA Water of Origin Taste Test (QLD vs NSW) - Winner |
Marian WTP |
| 2022 |
Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia - State Champion |
Mackay (Nebo Rd) WTP |
| 2021 |
Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia - State Champion |
Marian WTP |
| 2020 |
International Water Tasting Competition - 2nd Place |
Marian WTP |
| 2019 |
Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia - National Champion |
Marian WTP |
| 2019 |
Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia - State Champion |
Marian WTP |
| 2018 |
Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia - State Champion |
Mackay (Nebo Rd) WTP |
With a growing list of accolades, we truly have a drop worth drinking.
Fluoride in Our Water
No, Mackay’s drinking water does not contain fluoride. In 2012, the State Government made fluoridation optional for councils. After community consultation, fluoride was officially turned off in the Mackay region on November 7, 2016.
Protecting Our Water Supply
Backflow prevention safeguards our drinking water from contamination caused by reverse water flow from polluted sources.
Backflow can occur due to:
- Back-siphonage: Water being siphoned from the property
- Back-pressure: Pressure from pumps connected to the supply
Fitting a backflow prevention device and proper plumbing design help prevent risks from chemicals, bacteria and industrial waste.
For more details, visit our backflow prevention page.
Water Quality Issues and Solutions
Brown/discoloured water
- Cause: Maintenance work or pipe corrosion.
- Fix: Run tap for a few minutes. If unclear, call 1300 MACKAY (622 529). For internal issues, contact a plumber. (Safe to drink - caused by iron/manganese.)
Cloudy water
- Cause: Air in pipes (harmless).
- Fix: Let water sit in a glass for 10 mins. If unclear, call 1300 MACKAY (622 529).
Blue/green water
- Cause: Copper pipe corrosion (common in new homes).
- Fix: Flush tap for 2 mins. Persistent? Call a plumber.
Odour/taste issues
- Chlorine: Let water sit or use a filter.
- Petrol-like Smell: Flush pipes, use a carbon filter and call 1300 MACKAY (622 529) if needed.
Low water pressure
- Fix: Call 1300 MACKAY (622 529) to investigate.
Portable Water Stations for Events
Council offers free portable water stations for community events to help reduce single-use plastic bottles and keep everyone hydrated.
How It Works:
- Ensure access to potable water via a tap at your event.
- Attendees can refill reusable bottles freely.
These stations are perfect for schools, sports events and more.
How to Apply:
- Fill out the online application form.
- Accept the terms and conditions.(PDF, 48KB)
- Submit your application at least three weeks in advance.
