Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady said the council was showing compassion over the requests of residents who had concern for the elderly.

“The elderly and infirm have been distressed because they can’t venture out into their yards and gardens after dark,” Cr McGrady said.

 “We have listened to the people and considered the situation in detail, and in this matter we are able to accommodate the requests of the community.”

Level 4 restrictions will remain but watering hours will change from the current 8 to 10pm down to 6 to 8pm.

“However I appeal to our community to understand that we will not be out of the woods until the new system is in place, and I again appeal to our people to act with caution,” Cr McGrady said.

“We are all in this together; we are a community all working in the interests of our city.” 

Mount Isa Water Board chief executive Stephen Farrelly said the rollout of the new filtration system should begin next week and that the general population would not be affected, provided water usage remained at current levels.

“We need continued co-operation from the community as a whole to ensure there is no disruption to service during the transition period,” Mr Farrelly said.

“If water consumption remains at current levels there is no reason residents should experience any adverse effects.”

Level 4 water restrictions allow for hand-held hose watering only on even dates for properties with even property numbers and odd dates for properties with odd property numbers.

The amended times will be fully enforced from midnight, March 2.