Water horses ready to go

27 Oct 2010

Power and Water’s Water Services staff constructed lightweight “water horses”, which can connect to any above or underground hydrant, based on observation of service restoration after disasters in other regions.

“If the Top End was hit by a severe cyclone it is all too possible that vital water infrastructure could be damaged,” General Manager Water Services Steve McKenzie said.

“These taps can be set up just about anywhere so people can come and collect water if it is not available in their homes after a cyclone.”

Each “horse” connects to a hydrant and has eight taps on it, so people can fill up buckets and containers with water.

“There is the potential for the water supply to be contaminated if there is damage or flooding so our first priority is to ensure the water is safe to drink,” Mr McKenzie said.

“Once we have tested the water we can then connect these taps to give people access to drinking water more quickly than we may be able to repair every pipe and connection to homes.”

For information on how you can prepare for the storm and cyclone season go to our storm and cyclone centre.