FAQs
- 17 Mary River Road, Cooroy
- Zealey Road, Nambour (next to number 49)
- Samsonvale Road, Warner (opposite number 350)
- Showgrounds Drive, Highvale (opposite number 38) – currently closed for maintenance.
What is a community potable water fill station?
The potable water fill station is a small, controlled-access facility that allows residents to collect safe drinking water for household use. It operates as a simple tap-style system where containers such as tanks, drums and bottles can be filled.
This facility is designed for community use and is different to the existing Bye Road site which supports trucks and high-volume water collection. The Rucker Road site is smaller in scale and intended for local residents.
Why is the project needed?
This project responds to community needs identified during previous dry periods and drought conditions.
Many properties in Wamuran and nearby areas are not connected to the mains water network and rely on water carriers to top up rainwater tanks, particularly during extended dry periods or drought conditions. During these times, increased demand for water delivery services can result in longer wait times and a greater risk of households running low on safe drinking water.
Based on community feedback and input from City of Moreton Bay Council, this new fill station has been identified as a practical way to improve access to safe, reliable drinking water when it is most needed.
Who is the facility intended for?
The fill station is intended for local residents who require water for essential household use particularly those without access to mains water.
Why was this location selected?
The site was selected following a detailed assessment of technical, operational and safety requirements. Key considerations included access to existing water infrastructure, availability of suitable public land, safe vehicle access, and proximity to local roads. Multiple locations were assessed with this site identified as the most practical and appropriate option to meet community needs.
Why can’t it be installed in a commercial area such as the Wamuran Hall or the Waste Transfer Station?
Potable water fill stations require access to a mains water supply and suitable flow so that it does not interrupt the pressure of household water supply. The Waste Transfer Station is in the Department of Transport and Main Roads Corridor and does not have sufficient flow. The town hall does not have a mains water supply. All commercial locations were investigated with none having the operational, geotechnical or engineering requirements for this installation.
Will the fill station increase traffic?
Traffic is expected to be low to moderate and generally limited to dry periods when demand for water increases. During normal conditions, use is expected to be minimal and intermittent.
Similar sites across the region typically have less than one vehicle per day on average, and around 6–7 vehicles per day during busier periods with most activity occurring during daytime hours.
How has safety been considered as part of the design of the facility?
Safety has been a key consideration throughout the planning and design of the facility. A number of potential locations were assessed, with several sites ruled out due to traffic safety risks, including limited visibility and unsafe vehicle access.
The selected location was identified as the safest option, offering good sightlines for drivers and safe access to enter and exit the site. The design also includes a dedicated pull-off area so vehicles can move safely in and out without affecting through traffic.
As part of the final design, the existing 50 km/h speed limit sign will be relocated to improve visibility and provide additional advance notice to approaching drivers.
How busy do other community fill stations get?
Across Unitywaters four existing community fill stations, use is generally low and occurs in short visits throughout the day rather than constant activity. On average, customers spend around four minutes at the station for activities such as queuing, parking, paying and preparing to fill containers.
During normal conditions, stations are used by around 1–2 customers per day on average across the four locations. During extended dry periods, average daily use can increase to around 6–7 customers per day, with visits occurring in short periods rather than continuous traffic.
At the busiest times on record, daily use has reached an average of 15 customers in a single day. Even at these peak times, activity still occurred intermittently, with periods when no vehicles were present.
Overall, use increases during dry weather and reduces quickly once rainfall returns.
Will trucks/tankers use the facility?
The facility is designed for residents collecting water using smaller containers. These facilities don’t have the high-flow connections needed for commercial water carriers, and purchase limits are set so they’re not suitable for bulk filling. A separate truck fill station already operates at Bye Road, which accommodates high-volume and heavy vehicle use.
How will traffic and safety be managed?
The design includes a dedicated pull-off area so vehicles can safely enter and exit without affecting traffic. Signage and line marking will be installed, and the layout complies with relevant traffic safety standards.
Ruckers Road also includes an existing pedestrian footpath, and the design maintains safe movement for pedestrians and cyclists.
How will the facility operate?
The fill station will be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Use is expected to vary depending on demand and seasonal conditions.
Most activity typically occurs during daytime hours between 9am and 5pm. Outside of these peak times, demand is generally very low. At the busiest community fill station in the region, off-peak use has averaged less than one visit per day, even during busier months.
This means that while the facility is available at all times, visits outside normal daytime hours are expected to be occasional rather than frequent.
What impacts can be expected during construction?
Construction activities will result in temporary impacts such as noise and increased vehicle movements. Traffic control measures will be in place to maintain safety for workers, residents and road users. These impacts will be temporary and managed to minimise disruption.
Who owns the land and how will the site be managed during construction?
The fill station will be located on public land within the council road reserve. It is recognised that some nearby residents have informally maintained this area. Following construction, the site will be left in a clean, safe and maintained condition appropriate for its ongoing use.
What will the finished site look like?
The completed fill station will be small in scale and designed to fit within the surrounding environment. It will include tap-style water access points, a defined vehicle standing area and basic signage.
Does Unitywater have any other facilities like this currently operating?
We have four water fill stations for community members to access potable drinking water at any time. These facilities provide an option for you to obtain drinking water while you wait for a water delivery.
They are located at: