The Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) says water restoration following repair efforts has been further delayed, as ageing infrastructure buckled under pressure while the company attempted to restore supply to northern residents after the system was shut down to accommodate works carried out over the weekend.
According to WASCO, its technical teams completed repairs to three major leak areas on the 24-inch raw water pipeline at Millet on Wednesday evening.
“Following the completion of those primary repairs, a gradual reopening of the network was initiated to begin supplying the system. However, during this process, two additional ruptures occurred at different locations. Technical assessments confirm that these new failures are a direct result of the fragile condition of the ageing pipeline, which was unable to withstand the pressure of the initial recharge,” said WASCO’s release.
The latest interruptions come as some residents in northern communities report shortages over the last two weeks.
According to WASCO, repair teams are currently working to address the issue. The company says it anticipates restoring the system by Thursday evening.
“Immediately following, an even more gradual reopening of the line will be initiated to move water to the Theobalds Treatment Plant while minimising further stress on the infrastructure,” states WASCO. “…Customers are reminded that the system will require time to stabilise; supply will be restored to those at lower elevations first, while those at higher elevations and at the extreme ends of the network will receive water later as the system achieves full pressure levels.”
Looking ahead, WASCO is warning that additional strain on the system may persist in the coming weeks and months as the dry season continues to affect supply, compounded by ongoing issues linked to ageing pipeline infrastructure.
The company cautions that conditions may worsen before meaningful improvements are achieved, noting that the dry season has already intensified low water pressure across parts of the network. Customers are being urged to take personal responsibility by ensuring they have at least one full week of stored water to guard against further disruptions.
Expressing regret over the extended disruption, WASCO says, “Our technical teams remain on-site and are working round the clock to finalise these repairs and ensure that service is restored to all affected areas.”
