The
Water and Sewerage Department advises residents that there would be
interruption to the potable water supply in the event Hurricane Danny impacts
the Territory.
Please
be reminded that when wind gusts reaches from 45 mph to 55 mph, the power
supply is discontinued. Once this happens, water production on all major
islands would be discontinued as well.
To
ensure that each household has a safe and adequate supply of safe potable water
we ask that the following precautions be taken:
- Store enough drinking water for each family member and pet.
- Store in clean, non-corrosive, tightly covered containers.
- Store containers in a cool, dark location.
- If possible, collect water in bathtubs for non-drinking uses.
Protecting
the water infrastructure on your property
You
can protect the water supply going into your home and minimise property damage
by turning off the water at the meter. This can be done by shutting off the red
ball valve near the water meter.
You
may also turn off the lock valve. The lock valve valve (two brass ears with
holes at the ends, normally in an L-shape) is installed before the meter. It
will be in line with your water meter, which is normally located near the edge
of your property line or near the street.
How to purify
water
During
and after a hurricane, the water supply to your home may become contaminated
and unfit to drink. Should the water have become unsafe to drink due to
infiltration of contaminants via broken pipes, a “Boil Water” notice will be
issued by the Environmental Health Department in conjunction with the Water and
Sewerage Department after the hurricane. Please ensure that you have a safe and
adequate drinking water supply in your home until service can be restored.
You
may purify the water by using one of the following methods:
1. Boiling
2. Using Hypochlorite Bleach
Boiling
Boil vigorously for 3 to 5 minutes and let cool. You can add a pinch of salt,
or pour back and forth between two containers to improve the taste.
Using
Hypochlorite Bleach
Liquid bleach from the home laundry or grocery store will work well. Do Not use a bleach that has a fragrance or scenting agent, like a lemon scent.
Read
the label to find the percentage of chlorine available. It should be 5.25%.
Add
8 drops to a gallon of water and let stand at least 30 minutes. (1 teaspoon = approximately 100 drops.) If no dropper is available, use 1/8 teaspoon.
If
the water has a strong chlorine smell after 30 minutes, pour back and forth between two clean jugs or containers.
Storing
purified water
To keep drinking water safe from contamination, it should be stored in clean, non-corrosive, tightly covered containers.
Prepare
two quarts of water per day for each family member and any family pets.
To
increase shelf life of water, group bottles in dark plastic trash bags to keep light out. Store containers in a cool, dark location.
CAUTION:
Make sure children do not mistake bottles containing hazardous substances with
bottles used for drinking water.
Sewer
Lines
During
and after a hurricane, the sewerage system may become compromised. To ensure
that there are no problems with the connection between your home and the public
disposal system sewer lines, the following precautions, should be taken prior
to a hurricane reaching land:
Ensure
that all drainage pipes/sewer lines are flowing freely by using a sewer snake, wire or hose to clear any blockages that might occur within the line.
DO
NOT dispose of any hand paper, sanitary napkins, towels, diapers, fats, oil, grease, plastic bottles or bottles in any plumbing fixture or drain.
Please
report any sewage overflow on your property, or on streets, to the Environmental Health Department or Water and Sewerage Department for advice. If you observe any other incidence of sewage overflow in any other area, please also telephone any of the agencies
Emergency
Contact Numbers:
Director: 468-9699
Head of O&M (Water Services) 468-9440
Head of O&M (Sewerage Services) 547-7771
Emergency – West – 499-2620/ 499-7777
Emergency – Central – 499-2924
Emergency – East – 499-0500
