The earth has only a limited supply of fresh water and less than 1% is suitable for drinking.
This water is continually being recycled in what is called the water cycle, a natural process that has occurred for thousands of years and vital for life on our planet.
When the natural water cycle is interrupted by the construction of dams and related infrastructure, this is called the managed water cycle.
As well as playing an important role in caring for the catchments, Seqwater manages and operates the dams and water treatment plants across South East Queensland which supplies the bulk of the region’s drinking water for around 2.5 million people.
Education and community engagement is an important part of Seqwater’s work in ensuring we deliver safe, reliable water now and well into the future.
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 The sun heats the ocean and land. Water is evaporated and transpirated and rises into the air.
 The water vapour cools and condenses to become droplets, which form clouds.  If enough water condenses, the drops become heavy enough to fall to the ground as rain and snow.  Some rain collects in groundwells. The rest flows through rivers back into the ocean. |
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 Water is collected from dams and catchments and treated for everyday use in urban and commercial areas.
 Stormwater from roofs and run-off is channelled back to rivers and oceans.
 Waste water is collected and treated at sewage treatment plants.
 Treated effluent is released into rivers and oceans. |