The work behind every drop

Published on 19 October 2026

As part of National Water Week, Gympie Regional Council is asking the community to consider what goes on behind the scenes to deliver safe, reliable water services every day. 

Before water reaches your tap, it goes through a complex network of treatment, testing, maintenance and monitoring. Council’s water teams work around the clock to treat drinking water, maintain water and sewer networks, respond to faults and plan for the region’s future water needs. 

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig said National Water Week was an opportunity to recognise the people and infrastructure behind a service many of us take for granted.

“Every time you turn on the tap, flush the toilet or take a shower, you expect the water to be there,” Mayor Hartwig said. 

“But there is a huge amount of work that goes into making sure our community has access to safe and reliable water when they need it. 

“National Water Week is a chance to give our community a better understanding of what it takes to deliver this essential service. 

“Council operates eight water treatment plants 24 hours a day, producing more than 4,095 megalitres of drinking water each year. That’s roughly the equivalent of 1,638 Olympic-sized swimming pools. 

“And treating the water is just one part of the job. Council also manages an extensive network of water infrastructure across the region, including enough underground water mains that if laid in a line would reach Rockhampton. 

"Keeping the network operating safely and reliably requires ongoing maintenance, renewal and investment. 

"This financial year, Council has budgeted $49.6 million for water and wastewater upgrades and renewal projects, supporting the reliability of the region’s water supply and the continued delivery of safe and reliable drinking water to Gympie and surrounding communities." 

While Council is responsible for the infrastructure and services that deliver water to homes and businesses, the community also has an important role to play in protecting this valuable resource. 

Simple actions such as fixing leaks, using water efficiently and being mindful of how much water we use can all help conserve water for the future. 

This National Water Week, Council is encouraging the community to take a moment to think about what happens before water reaches the tap, and the people and infrastructure working behind every drop. 

For more information and water-saving tips, visit gympie.qld.gov.au/WaterEducation.