September 14, 2022
The failure of a key water pump – and then its temporary replacement – have been blamed for the emergency introduction of water restrictions in the Proston and Hivesville areas on Tuesday afternoon.
The temporary restrictions, imposed from 5:00pm on Tuesday, affect the Proston town and Proston rural water supplies and will remain in place until the key pump has been replaced.
The Proston water supplies are fed by raw water pumps off the Boondooma pipeline.
A Council spokesperson said a main duty pump broke down about six weeks ago and was unrepairable.
A new pump was ordered but this is currently on the docks in Melbourne and not likely to arrive for another two weeks.
A standby pump working in its place broke down on Tuesday, leaving Council with no option but to impose the water restrictions.
There were also fears water may have to be carted to the towns within days.
However, a booster pump at Hivesville was moved to Proston on Wednesday and installed.
This replacement pump is now pumping water but it will take a few days for reservoirs to return to full.
Proston rural supplies, which were switched off on Tuesday, should be partially restored on Thursday.
This temporary pump can only deliver about two-thirds the required volume so the tight restrictions will have to remain until the proper pump arrives.
“Council requests that water use is restricted to internal use and essential external use only, such as cleaning of windscreens, pet enclosures or emergency purposes,” the spokesperson said.
“Watering of gardens and lawns is not permitted.
“Once repairs have been made, Council will remove these restrictions.”
[UPDATED. Originally published as “Proston Water Bans”]
