Since the lightning strike, the Essential Water team have carried out emergency works to repair the significant amount of damage caused to the plant, to keep water flowing to the residents and businesses of Broken Hill.

Ross Berry, Head of Essential Water said, “Firstly, we want to reassure all our customers that the quality of the current water supply has not been affected by the issue.”

“We have now managed to repair all the damage to the plant and get it up and running, but it will have limited capacity until the water tanks are refilled, which we’re estimating will take up to 24 hours.”

“We are asking residents and businesses to please limit their consumption of water until 5pm tomorrow,” he requested.

Essential Water customers are being asked to follow these water saving tips:

• Shorten showers to 5 minutes or less
• Limit flushing of toilets
• Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving
• Only operate dishwashers and washing machines with full loads and use quick wash or suds saving modes if available.

“We thank the residents and businesses of Broken Hill for their thoughtful use of water during this time,” he concluded.

For more information on Essential Water’s Water Saving Tips, please visit essentialwater.com.au/water-insights/water-saving-tips/