It might be the end of water woes for Inch Street residents.
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Lithgow City Council has announced a valve removal in Inch Street to take place on Wednesday, May 27.
According to Council's director of Water and Waste Management Daniel Buckens, the main cause for dirty water in the street is due to the valve and unauthorised drawing of water from hydrants in the area.
He said Council had addressed the matter of unauthorised access to hydrants to prevent future incidents.
"When this occurs it causes an increase in velocity and change to pressures in the system which causes dirty water.
"We have been able to identify the contractor responsible and are taking appropriate action to ensure that this practice no longer occurs," he said.
Mr Buckens said the removal of the valve would cause mains to shut in the vicinity of Inch, Tank and Bridge Streets.
"This will disrupt supply to a large number of residents and businesses in Oakey Park, Inch Street, Henderson Place, Thornley Close, Railway Parade Hoskins Avenue, John, Clarice, Roy, Spooner, Hayley and Padley Streets," he said.
He advised residents who notice dirty water to not continue to run the water inside the house.
"Do not continue to run the water inside the house, go the tap closest to your water meter and run it for a minute," he said.
Mr Buckens said the valve removal would also result in the completion of the long term road works in Inch Street.
"Currently the valve sits above the finish surface level of the road and is protected by temporary barriers," he said.
Mr Buckens said he was aware of unhappy residents with ongoing water issues and denied advising them to take samples.
"We won't accept samples from residents, the advice is that you contact Council and we will undertake sampling of the area.
"This doesn't necessarily mean we will sample the individual residential properties but will undertake a broader analysis of the network," he said.
He also asked residents who notice water tankers connected to the network to notify Council.
"It is illegal and causes issues such has that experienced in Inch Street.
"Council provides approved locations for filling of water tanks or water tankers at locations through the LGA," he said.
What comes next?
Work to fix the issue will begin soon, but Council cannot give an end date.
Mr Buckens said workers will be on site to remove the valve from 8am on May 27 and cannot provide a completion time.
"We will aim to minimise the period of disruption and provide updates as they become available," he said.
Upon return of normal service, residents will experience dirty water for a period.
Council will endeavour to minimise this by flushing the mains. If the water does not run clear within a couple of minutes, residents should contact Council.
Mr Buckens has also asked residents not to tamper with hydrants while mains are being flushed.
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