Rockhampton Council's water trucking trial a success for drought-stricken Mount Morgan

Mount Morgan's No.7 Dam is currently at 11.2 per cent and with 280 ML in the dam, residents' fears the town will be left with no water in three to six months time with out significant rainfall.

Rockhampton Regional Council and Fitzroy River Water announced the water trucking trials on Wednesday 3 March with the trial taking place on Friday 5 March, with the process taking less time than initially thought.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said although there was no need to truck water up to Mount Morgan yet, Council wanted to be prepared.

"This was all about checking the processes and logistics, making sure everything was working properly and ironing out any issues," Cr Williams said.

"I am pleased to say the trial went really well. The water in the dam is expected to supply water for another three to six months, but if we do need to start trucking water up to Mount Morgan we are ready to do so."

Manager of the Fitzroy River Water Dr Jason Plumb said he was very happy with the trial.

"It's been quite successful and we're very confident we'll be able to meet demand as required in the future," Dr Plumb said.

Water and Supporting a Better Environment Councillor, Donna Kirkland, said she was very pleased with the results of the trial.

"We took 25,000 litres of water from Gracemere up to the treatment plant in Mount Morgan without a hitch," Cr Kirkland said.

"Pumping the water in and out of the truck took even less time than we originally thought, which is great news.

"For residents, accessing the water will be no different: the water goes straight into the storage reservoir at the treatment plant and is then sent to homes and businesses as usual."

There will be approximately 20 tanker loads per day which will supply at least 0.5 ML, which equates to 160 litres of water per person per day.

The daily cost to supply water to Mount Morgan from Gracemere using water tankers is expected to be at least $3000-5000 per day and Council anticipates that financial support for this cost will be provided by the Queensland Government.

Divisional Councillor Cherie Rutherford said information about a public meeting to discuss the trial, as well as long term options for Mount Morgan water, would be released soon.

"We are just finalising the details but we will send out an invitation to all residents next week," Cr Rutherford said.