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Water is one of our most precious resources. There is a finite supply of fresh water and unfortunately, even when it rains, it doesn't mean that our dam and groundwater levels will increase unless the water actually falls in our catchment areas.
To ensure long-term water security it's really important we all do our bit and become smarter with our water use.
We operate 12 different water supply systems across the Region - each with its own water sources, user demands and water restrictions.
For information about water pricing and charges refer to the Water rates article.
This includes the City of Toowoomba as well as the towns and localities of Birnam, Blue Mountain Heights, Cabarlah, Cawdor, Charlton, Cotswold Hills, Crows Nest, Geham, Glenvale, Goombungee, Gowrie Junction, Gowrie Mountain, Grapetree, Hampton, Highfields, Hodgson Vale, Jondaryan, Kingsthorpe, Kleinton, Lilyvale, Meringandan, Meringandan West, Merritts Creek, Mount Rascal, Oakey, Pechey, Preston, Spring Bluff, Top Camp, Torrington, Wellcamp, Westbrook, Woolmer, Wyreema.
Bulk water supply scheme zone map.
The main water sources for this scheme are:
Cooby Dam is the oldest of the city's three water supply dams, constructed during the period 1938-41. This dam is located about 17 km north of Toowoomba on Cooby Creek, a tributary of Condamine River.
Old video footage of the Cooby Dam construction has recently been found. It's a fascinating peak into what life was like in the construction field 80 years ago.
Cressbrook Dam is the largest and newest of the city's three water supply dams. The dam is located on Cressbrook Creek approximately 10 km downstream of Perseverance Dam. The construction of the dam was commenced in 1981 and was completed in 1983.
Perseverance Dam is the second largest dam in terms of storage capacity, and the second oldest storage dam of the city's three water supply dams. Construction of this dam commenced in 1962 and was completed in 1965. This dam is located approximately 35 km northeast of Toowoomba on Perseverance Creek, which is a tributary of Cressbrook Creek.
The Wivenhoe pipeline, operational in 2010, ensures that the local water infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of the community. When utilised, the water from Wivenhoe Dam is lifted more than 200 metres to Cressbrook Dam and then has to be lifted another 425 metres to be treated and ready for use in homes and businesses over 600 metres above its source.
The three dams (Cooby, Cressbrook and Perseverance) and bores in the Toowoomba Region have been able to adequately supply a population of up to 125 000, businesses and industries, but the continuing population growth may mean water will need to be drawn from Wivenhoe Dam in the future.
This includes a variety of services in Cambooya, Cecil Plains, Clifton, Greenmount, Haden, Kulpi, Millmerran, Nobby, Pittsworth, Vale View and Yarraman.
Treated water is delivered to properties via more than 260 km of pipelines, 17 reservoirs, and 7 pump stations.
Cambooya water supply zone map.
Cecil Plains water supply zone map.
Clifton water supply zone map.
Greenmount water supply zone map.
Haden water supply zone map.
Kulpi water supply zone map.
Millmerran water supply zone map.
Nobby water supply zone map.
Pittsworth water supply zone map.
Vale View water supply zone map.
Yarraman water supply zone map.
Water security for the long term has been a focus for many years and remains a key priority. Working with the State and Federal Governments and our neighbouring councils, we have a water vision that will guide our planning and activities in the next thirty years. We call this the Water Vision 2050.
The Water Vision 2050 Report (9Mb PDF) provides an overview of the Toowoomba Region water supply system, the challenges faced and opportunities available. Importantly, it outlines options to ensure our current and future water supply issues are met. Water Vision 2050 serves as our water security strategy and is scheduled to be routinely updated and added to as planning continues.
Major projects in progress or being planned for the near future can be found in the Major projects part of our website.