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Water Restrictions

Learn about Cook Shire’s water restrictions—why they’re introduced, what each level means, and how you can help conserve water during the dry season.

In the tropics of Far North Queensland, we’re no strangers to extremes—

 

…. Months of heavy rain and flooding during the wet season, followed by long dry spells where the rain just doesn’t come. When water is flowing freely, it’s easy for conservation to slip to the back of our minds. But during the dry, every drop matters.

Water restrictions in Cook Shire are not permanent—they are only introduced if and when our water supply becomes strained. This may be due to seasonal changes, prolonged dry periods, or unexpected events such as a burst water main or infrastructure failure.

That’s why we’ve simplified the system into three easy-to-understand levels: Conserve, Alert, and Stop. These measures are not just about following rules—they’re about working together as a community to protect our most essential resource.

Please note that penalties can be issued for breaches of water restrictions under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008.

 

WHEN DO RESTRICTIONS APPLY?

Water restrictions will only be activated when required and are based on the status of our local water supply. If restrictions become necessary, Council will issue an announcement through our website, social media, local radio, and other official communication channels.
Stay in the know – sign up to receive Council’s e-newsletter and be the first to know when restrictions change.

Sign up here

CONSERVE

Use water wisely.
There’s no shortage, but every drop still counts.

  • No watering on Wednesdays.

  • Sprinklers, micro sprays, drip systems, watering cans and buckets may be used  at any time.

  • Hand-held hoses with trigger nozzles may be used at any time.

  • Top up existing ponds, fountains, and swimming pools as needed.

  • New pools may be filled.

  • Clean driveways or hard surfaces only for health or safety.

  • High-pressure cleaners may be used at any time.

  • Vehicles can be washed anytime with a bucket or hose fitted with a trigger nozzle. Commercial car washes can operate as usual.

  • Boat motors may be flushed at any time. 

ALERT

Water supply is under pressure.
Time to cut back on non-essential use.

  • No watering on Wednesdays.

  • Sprinklers, micro sprays and drip systems cannot be used.

    • Hand-held hoses, fitted with a trigger nozzle may be used at any time.

    • Ponds and fountains cannot be filled unless using a non-potable supply.

    • Existing pools may be topped up.  New pool filling allowed but discouraged.

    • Clean hard surfaces only with pressure cleaners for health or safety.

    • Vehicles can be washed anytime with a bucket or hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.  Commercial car washes can operate as usual.

    STOP

    Water supply is critically low.
    Outdoor use must stop.

    • All outdoor watering is banned.

    • No topping up or filling of ponds, fountains, or pools.

    • No cleaning of hard surfaces unless essential for safety, using pressure cleaners only.

    • Private vehicle washing is banned.

    • No vehicle washing allowed.

    Keep Water Wise, Cape York

    Cook Shire’s water future depends on all of us. The choices we make every day—especially during the dry—help ensure a sustainable supply for our households, our communities, and generations to come.

    📬 Subscribe to Council’s e-newsletter and stay informed about water restriction updates, community notices, and helpful tips for saving water. Visit cook.qld.gov.au to sign up.