Thousands of people without water again due to turbidity levels

Thousands of people are without water in the Central Division as the heavy rain during Tropical Cyclone Rae has led to an increase in turbidity levels, affecting the Water Authority of Fiji’s ability to maintain normal water production levels at Tamavua Water Treatment Plant.

WAF says to ensure compliance with water quality standards and effectively manage the plant treatment capability, raw water inflow was reduced from 76 ML/d to 66 ML/d—approximately 85 percent of the normal requirement—since 4pm yesterday.

They are working towards raw water inflow normalcy after mid-day today.

WAF says the reduction in production has led to critical reservoir levels since last night, affecting water supply to several areas.

The team is actively managing supply through valve operations and working on managing turbidity levels by switching the source supply between the 3 sources.

45 water carting trucks have been deployed to provide temporary relief to affected customers in impacted areas.

WAF says as turbidity levels continue to stabilize, production will be incrementally increased to restore reservoir levels and return to normal service as swiftly and safely as possible.

The affected areas include : Tamavua Reservoir: •CWM Hospital, elevated areas of Lami, Kalekana, Qauia, Delainavesi, Osonabukete, Beni Naiveli, Waiqanake district and Waiqanake District School. Dokanisuva Reservoir: •All areas supplied from Dokanisuva Reservoir; Princes Rd from Tacirua SDA to Khalsa Rd junction, residents along Nagatugatu Reservoir and surrounding areas, including Tacirua Koro, Jeremaiah College, Tacirua Primary, Jagindra Primary School, Jagindra Kindergarten. Coloisuva Reservoir: •Marshall Rd, Coloisuva Forestry Quarters, Forestry Training School, Crest Chicken Ltd, Uluibeka, Vunikawai, Naisogo Rd, Joes Farm, and Princes Rd up to Sawani Hill and Forestry Training School.

Tacirua Reservoir: •Princes Rd from Khalsa Rd to Loa St, Tamavua Koro, Deovji Rd, Amputch, Upper Ragg Avenue, Petrie St, Wailoku Depot, Princes Rd from Wailoku Rd to Loa St. Customer Advisory

People are encouraged to conserve water wherever possible.

If water is discoloured or cloudy, allow it to settle before use or boil water for drinking and food preparation.