Water discolouration is temporary – WAF

The Nagado Water treatment plant has been adjusted to address the issue of water discolouration being experienced in the Nadi and Lautoka areas.

The Water Authority of Fiji says the issue experienced by the customers served by the main water source, Vaturu Dam, is caused by increased levels of iron in the raw water received at the treatment plant from the Vaturu Dam.

WAF says despite the recent temporary water discolouration experienced in some areas, the water remains safe for consumption.

They say the recent heavy rainfall into the dam catchment, after a very long dry spell washed sediments rich in iron into the lake.

It adds after undergoing the oxidation process, iron gives the water a pale brown colour.

WAF says once the issue was discovered, their teams were quickly deployed to undertake water sampling, process monitoring and extensive flushing works on water reticulation in Nadi and Lautoka to address the high levels of iron and restore normal water quality.

They say their technicians continue to monitor the system, so any similar weather-triggered water quality events can be addressed as we are still in a moderate El Nino state.

It says while WAF is trying its best to ensure there are no breaches to the quality of water being supplied to its customers, the Authority is also calling its customers to report any discoloured water received through their taps so necessary corrective actions can be taken to immediately address the issue.