Water supply & use
Household water use, leaks & conservation
Information on saving water, smart water metres and water restrictions. Read more on the management of water in the Cairns region.
Sources & supply
Information about water sources and water supply in the Cairns region, including Copperlode Falls Dam, Lake Morris, Behana Creek, Council's Water Treatment Plants.
Water strategies & projects
Council's Water unit delivers quality and reliable water, and wastewater services that meet the needs of our community in a financially and environmentally sustainable manner.
Cairns Water Supply: FAQs
Information on Cairns water supply and the maintenance on reservoirs. Read more on the infrastructure in the Cairns region.
Wastewater management
Cairns Regional Council operates 182 sewer pump stations and six wastewater treatment plants across the region.
Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project
Cairns Water Security Stage 1 - a new drinking water supply for Cairns.
Laboratory services
The council laboratory offers a range of services to industry and the community, comprising of both chemical and microbiological laboratories.
Water education
Smarter with our water: Council provides a range of free, online water education resources for children of all ages.
Sinks, drains & toilets
Everything you flush down the toilet or pour down the drain goes through our sewerage systems. Think before you flush and keep our pipes clean.
Last Updated: 10 October 2025
Latest News > All News
Works underway to restore critical water infrastructure
Fast-tracked remediation works are underway to bring two of Council’s largest reservoirs back into service. It will strengthen water storage...
12 June 2026
Recycling contamination is increasing costs
Cairns households generate around 50,000 tonnes of waste each year, costing Council approximately $16 million to collect, process and dispose...
11 June 2026
King tides expected from Friday
King tides are expected to affect Cairns this from week, from Friday 12 June through to Saturday 20 June....
10 June 2026