WAF confirms water disruptions due to high turbidity and urges residents to flush taps

Following concerns raised by residents of greater Suva area about water supply disruption and getting muddy water in taps, the Water Authority of Fiji has now confirmed that supply is being disrupted due to high turbidity and people should let their taps run briefly to help remove any discolouration.

While responding to concerns raised by fijivillage News, WAF says the discoloured or murky water reported in parts of Suva, including Samabula and Rewa Street, is a result of fluctuations in the water supply following disruptions at the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant.

They say these fluctuations disturb sediments within the distribution system, causing temporary turbidity in the water.

WAF says water clarity will improve progressively as the system stabilizes and flushing is being carried out to expedite clearing of the affected lines.

They say if turbidity persists beyond the next 24 hours, affected residents should contact WAF for further assistance.

The Authority says turbidity levels at the raw water intakes remain elevated today, and normalizing production is dependent on improvements in raw water quality.

They say production was initially expected to normalize yesterday evening but a spike in turbidity late yesterday further delayed restoration efforts.

The Authority says they are closely monitoring turbidity trends and adjusting treatment processes to expedite supply stabilization.

While responding to questions on when supply is expected to recover, WAF says it is ongoing and dependent on raw water conditions.

They say pressure and flow will progressively improve as treatment capacity is restored.

While responding to questions on delayed announcement so that people could prepare, WAF says notification of the water disruption was issued via WAF’s social media platforms but they acknowledge that the timing of this notification can be improved.

They say the initial notification was based on the forecast that production at Tamavua Treatment Plant would stabilize by yesterday evening, but the unexpected spike in turbidity further delayed recovery.

WAF says they remain committed to improving real-time updates for customers, particularly for unplanned disruptions.

When questioned why announcements were not made over the radio as it was assured by Acting CEO Seru Soderberg after delayed announcement a week ago, WAF says that while disruption notices were disseminated through their social media channels, they acknowledge concerns about radio announcements.

They say going forward, WAF will strengthen coordination with radio stations to ensure critical supply updates are also broadcasted and efforts are also being made to enhance multi-platform communication for wider public reach.

They urge people in affected areas to use water wisely while the system stabilizes.

Impacted areas may include schools, hotels, industries, health centres, prisons, the naval base, and fire stations.

Areas affected include Sakoca, Tacirua Heights Subdivision, Upper Khalsa Road (from Princes Road junction to Nukubuco Settlement) Princes Road from Khalsa Road Junction to Loa Street Juction including Kali Place, Old Cunningham Road, PJ Twomey Hospital, LDS area, Tamavua Village, Upper Ragg Avenue, and feeder roads,Upper Mead Road to Lovoni Road Junction, Lovoni Road, Loa Street, Goodrum Place, Kaba Road, Saimoni Vatu Place, Princes Road from the Junction of Savutalele to the Junction of Khalsa Road including Jeremiah College, Savutalele Settelement Road, Karta Sen Feeder Road Marshall Road, Forestry Quarters, Rain Tree Lodge, Toninawau, Coloisuva Koro, Crest Chicken Processsing Plant Road, Vunikawai Road, Naisogo Road, Uluibeka, Nilqiri Settlement, Sawani Hill No. 3.

Stewart Street, Ocean View, Studio 6, Top Waimanu, Robertson Road, Amy Street, Augustus Street, Edenville Street, Suva Street have low pressure or water.

All areas fed from Shipping Reservoir including Quality Printing, Valemanumanu, Saint Giles Hospital, Mali, Walu Bay are also affected.

WAF says elevated Delainavesi area, upper Qauia, upper Lami areas, Kalekana, elevated areas of Veisari, Oso na Bukete and Waiqanake district, Mead Road, Bay View Heights Subdivision, elevated areas of Namadi, elevated areas of Samabula, including Aidney Road and Udit Narayan Road, elevated areas within Rewa Street and elevated areas Waimanu Road have also been impacted.

The Authority says water trucks have been mobilized to provide alternative supply to the most affected areas.

WAF says they are engaging with affected schools this morning to provide updates and coordinate necessary support.