WAF planned works at Tamavua Water Treatment Plant will cause reduced water supply

Thousands of residents supplied by the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant are expected to experience reduced water pressure or intermittent supply as the Water Authority of Fiji will carries out replacement works at the treatment plant from 3pm today.

WAF says it will be replacing a critical DN600 butterfly valve located at the inlet of the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant.

The Authority says the valve regulates the flow of raw water from the Savura Raw Water Pump Station into the treatment plant.

WAF says investigative works by its operational engineers have identified the valve as defective and malfunctioning, resulting in unstable raw water inflows and increased operational strain across the Savura Pump Station, the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant, and service delivery to customers.

The Authority says if the fault is not addressed immediately, there is a high risk of sudden failure, which could trigger a major and prolonged water outage affecting a much wider area.

WAF says by undertaking the works now as a planned and controlled shutdown, it is proactively working to prevent an imminent major asset failure, avoid unplanned disruption due to valve failure, and improve the reliability, safety, and resilience of the Tamavua water supply system.

WAF says water supply restoration is expected to begin in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

The Authority says during the maintenance period, raw water inflow and treatment capacity at the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant will be reduced by approximately 30 to 35 percent.

WAF says this will temporarily affect reservoir levels and may result in low water pressure, intermittent supply, or no water supply.

The Authority says it will closely monitor the system and prioritise supply to essential services, especially the CWM Hospital.

Affected areas include Muaivuso, Wailoku Road, Savura Road, Tamavua-i-wai, Rokobili, Walubay area, Kings Wharf, Reservoir Road, Princes Road from Calvary Temple to Colo-i-Suva, Waimanu Road, Samabula areas, Mead Road, Namadi Heights, Bayview Heights, Sukanaivalu Road, Nabua Town, Rewa Street, Raiwaqa area, Raiwai area, Nailuva Road, Ratu Sukuna Road, Bau Road, Laucala Bay Road, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Muanikau area, Nasese area, and the Domain area.

Customers are requested to store sufficient water ahead of the planned interruption, use water sparingly during the shutdown period, avoid non-essential activities such as car washing and garden watering, and stay informed through WAF’s official communication channels.

WAF says water carting trucks will be on standby during the interruption period to assist affected customers.