Port Douglas, a tourist haven in Far North Queensland, is grappling with a significant water supply shortage.

Following days of torrential rain that saw debris and mud severely compromise the local water treatment facilities, the council has shut down water treatment plants, leaving reservoirs at critically low levels.

Residents and visitors were caught off-guard Sunday evening when the Douglas Shire Council issued an urgent advisory via text message, urging the community to stockpile drinking water. 

Locals have shared their growing frustration with the recurring water issues, highlighting the inconvenience and anxiety it has caused among the community, especially following the recent cyclone and its subsequent impact.

The area's water woes have not only inconvenienced residents but have also put a strain on local tourism, with some accommodation providers reportedly turning away potential guests due to the lack of essential services. 

Douglas Shire Council Mayor Michael Kerr has acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting the swift depletion of the water reservoirs and the community's high consumption rates. 

With the main reservoir at Port Douglas dwindling to 12 per cent capacity and another at nearby Craiglie at a mere 7 per cent, the council is scrambling to implement temporary solutions, including the distribution of bottled water and the installation of additional filtration systems to combat the high turbidity levels affecting the treatment plants.

The Queensland Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing, and Water has stepped in to assist, deploying water experts and resources to address the immediate needs and restore the water supply. 

The crisis comes soon after the reopening of the Captain Cook Highway, which had been closed due to landslides and blockages caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper.