The Douglas Water Discovery Hub: the journey of our water
- comms514
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Within Townsville’s main water treatment facility, students are learning to value and care for every drop.
In Townsville, water shapes how we live, where we play, and how we plan for the future. But behind every tap is a story many don’t see.
Helping to build a greater understanding and appreciation of Townsville’s water story, is Townsville City Council’s Douglas Water Discovery Hub, a new educational space that tells the journey of water from catchment to tap, and what happens after it goes down the drain. It’s a story of science, sustainability and stewardship.
Inspiring stewardship at the source
The Water Discovery Hub is tucked inside the Water Treatment Plant, the site where Townsville’s drinking water is treated, cleaned, and distributed across the city. This unique location gives students a powerful, real-world context for learning, reinforcing the link between water security and how everyday habits impact the health of our waterways.
Targeted at primary and secondary school students, the Hub turns complex water science into hands-on learning experiences that align with the Australian Curriculum.
Activities include interactive walls where students label stages of the water cycle, identify water-saving habits around the home, and take on pollution-focused challenges like ‘Only Rain Down the Drain.’
“The Hub’s mission is simple but powerful,” said Townsville City Council’s Water Educator, Annmarie Grasso. “It’s about building a greater understanding and appreciation of Townsville’s water story through meaningful engagement.”
By creating memorable learning experiences and promoting responsible water habits, the Hub lays the foundation for long-term stewardship behaviours, empowering young people to care for one of our most vital, finite resources.
“Townsville City Council is committed to sustainability and long-term water security,” said Annmarie. “The Douglas Water Discovery Hub is a key investment in building a water-wise community through education.”
Belgian Garden State School students tour the Ross Dam, the Water Discovery Hub, and the Condon Purification Plant to learn about the journey of our water. Photos: Skye Sturmfels
Connecting learning with life
A visit to the Water Discovery Hub can be combined with a tour of Townsville’s key water facilities, giving students an exciting, behind-the-scenes look at the journey of our water.
Year 4 students from Belgian Gardens State School recently followed this journey, visiting Ross Dam to learn how water is stored and managed, before seeing how it’s made safe for drinking, and lastly, how wastewater is cleaned and returned to the environment, closing the loop on the urban water cycle.
One highlight of the day was experimenting with their own mini filtration systems at the Hub, bringing classroom science to life.
"Experiences like this spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and give students a real-world glimpse into how our community operates,” said Skye Sturmfels, Belgian Gardens State School Year 4 Teacher.
“It also helps foster a sense of responsibility by learning about their role in caring for the environment and contributing to a sustainable future,” she said.
Townsville City Council offers free Eco-Catchment Education Tours to schools, TAFE, university groups, businesses and the community. Book a visit for your school or group here.
Empowering water stewards
Water stewardship doesn’t stop with students. It’s a shared responsibility that flows through our entire community.
“The Water Discovery Hub is a crucial facility that ensures water conversation includes everyone, from classroom to catchment,” said Kara-Mae Coulter-Atkins, Executive Officer for the Healthy Waters Partnership.
“For the Healthy Waters Partnership, water doesn’t just shape Townsville, it shapes our work, our priorities, and our partnerships.
“That’s why the team were eager to tour the Hub and explore this exciting new resource. It tells another side of the water story, one that starts with education and grows into community-wide action,” said Kara-Mae.
By connecting people to the full journey of water, the Douglas Water Discovery Hub reminds us that protecting our waterways isn’t just a task for a few. It’s a collective effort.
