Raw water is untreated water from Awoonga dam. The majority of water from the dam (approximately 77%) is supplied in its raw form to various industries in the region. The remaining 23% of raw water is sent to the treatment plants for cleaning and treatment to make it drinkable.

The water in Lake Awoonga is run-off water from the Boyne catchment which flows down into the Boyne River and eventually feeds into the lake. The catchment area contributing to the lake is 2,240 square kilometres and is surrounded by the Boyne, Dawes and Many Peaks Ranges.

Nutrients such as Nitrogen and Phosphorus can be a problem in Lake Awoonga as they influence blue green algae blooms which occur at Awoonga Dam during spring and summer when the temperature is higher. Blue green algae blooms can become a serious problem if there are toxic blue green algae species present as this can affect the quality of water at the dam and pose a risk to persons coming into contact with the water. Any persons wishing to use Lake Awoonga for recreation should read the warning signs erected at the public access points.

Raw water gravitates from the dam through the intake tower before entering the pump station. High volume pumps at the pump station pump the raw water to the 50 megalitre Toolooa reservoir. From the Toolooa reservoir, the raw water gravitates to two reservoirs at Fitzsimmons Street. The larger reservoir holds 50 megalitres and supplies water to the Gladstone Water Treatment Plant and the Yarwun Water Treatment Plant and also supplies raw water to other industries.