The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has successfully eliminated discolored water to customers in Nadi and Lautoka in the Western Division.
Earlier this month, WAF had detected an increase of Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) levels at the Nagado Water Treatment Plant from raw water sourced from the Vaturu Dam, this is due to sudden changes in climatic conditions resulting in low dissolved oxygen levels at the Dam.
WAF General Manager Customer Services, Sekove Uluinayau said that the oxidation reactions of iron and manganese had caused the water in the Nadi and Lautoka water system which is fed from the Nagado Water Treatment Plant to appear discolored (pale to brownish).
Mr Uluinayau said that the Authority had reduced the levels of iron and manganese at Vaturu and Nagado through consistent aeration.
“WAF had installed aeration systems to pump in oxygen to decrease the levels of iron and manganese at the water source in the Vaturu Dam and at the Nagado Water Treatment Plant’s inlet chamber where we are also applying pre and post chlorination at the plant as well as regular flushing of the reticulation system,” explained Mr Uluinayau.
Mr Uluinayau said that the preliminary costs on rectifying the discolored water is over $100,000 so far, and it is expected to increase as aeration is still in place both at the Vaturu Dam and at the Nagado Water Treatment Plant.
“For majority of the residents in the whole Lautoka and parts of Nadi, water appearance in taps has improved and should no longer be discolored. Our crew members have been continuously conducting flush out works to remove all discolored water in the extreme end of the reticulation system,” said Mr Uluinayau.
Mr Uluinayau said that WAF is committed to improving water supply around the country and apologizes for the inconvenience caused.
Meanwhile, customers around Nadi and Lautoka are to contact the Water Authority of Fiji on 5777 or 334 6777 or email contact@waf.com.fj if they continue to receive discolored water in their taps.