In the aftermath of the devastation wrought by ex TC Oswald the turbidity levels at Brisbane’s prime water filtration site at Mt Crosby reached crisis point mid week threatening a possible system collapse.
The filters clogged and required cleaning for re-starts resulting in supply problems of clean tap water in Brisbane’s suburbs.
Premier Newman and Lord Mayor Quirk appealed to the public via various media outlets to limit water usage to the bare essentials and this was followed up in the form of a Ministerial Directive issued on Tuesday night.
Early Wednesday morning the External Cleaning Industry Association (ECIA) informed Members of the unfolding potential crisis and asked them to curtail clean up activities involving the use of town water, in compliance with that Directive.
ECIA Director Kevin Halpin said early today:
“We’re pleased with the response of our Members in postponing building cleaning jobs in the short term to avert a possible drinking water crisis. Most of us are suitably equipped to carry out other necessary tasks, such as pumping out flooded basements or sourcing water from outside the town supplies, in any case. It is a bit of a worry however, when others in the Industry don’t show any restraint. I strongly urge members of the public to be aware of the potential water shortage and the impact this might have on Brisbane’s limited supplies and give some thought to who they are engaging to do their clean up work.”
