Operation storm 9.30am update from NPDC

· We fixed the pipe last night that was damaged during ex Cyclone Gita.

· Water is running through it and we are filling reservoirs.

· While we are completing this filling process, please continue to save and boil water as this will support the refilling process.

· We have Fix-It squads on the ground this morning in Waitara.

· We have to manually remove the lid of fire hydrants, install a vertical pipe (stand pipe) which will allow air and water to escape the system as it is gradually refilled.

· We need to do this slowly so we can control the pressure, venting the air from the pipes as water rushes in.

· There are about 30 fire hydrants that we do this to in Waitara and then we’ll move to other parts of district.

· People will see water coming out of the pipe and this is an important safety measure; confirming the pipes are full of water and we are controlling the pressure.

· There will be several days of flushing the pipes clean, so we can make the water safe to drink again.

· In the meantime, we ask everyone to continue to save and boil water until further notice.

· It will take about a week until we in a position to lift the boil water notice.

ends

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