Water and sewerage problems
Water supply
Some of the problems that may be experienced during and/or immediately after a storm or cyclone include:
- Interruption to water supply as a result of water mains being uprooted and damaged by fallen trees
- Loss of water pressure in the system as a result of damage to water mains, fire hydrants etc
- Possible contamination of water supply due to backflow or infiltration to the system via broken pipes
- Significant loss of stored water (and hence reduced pressure etc) due to broken mains and excessive consumption following the storm or cyclone
- Water restrictions in the event of major damage to power supply and/or water supply infrastructure.
Sewer system
Some of the problems that may be experienced during or immediately following a cyclone or storm include:
- Sewer surcharges (overflows)
- Dislodged access chambers
- Overflows from property overflow relief gullies (ORG)
- Internal flooding by sewerage if the overflow relief gully is obstructed by objects such pot plants etc.