Hold Your Number Two’s

If it’s yellow, let it mellow.

Major repairs to a section of damaged sewer main on Paradise Street will go ahead this Saturday night, June 4.

Rain delayed the essential works two weeks ago, but they are set to proceed this Saturday from 6pm until 8am Sunday.

All residents in the Mackay urban area, excluding the Northern Beaches, are being asked to reduce their water usage on that evening to reduce the risk of sewage overflow into our environment.

Any overuse of water in the identified areas could cause the sewage pumping stations to become inundated while they are shut down which could potentially cause harmful discharges to the environment.

Hence, council is urging all residents to do their part to help by having an early shower, leaving the dirty dishes and laundry until Sunday and if it’s yellow let it mellow!

This is not a water interruption and council crews have accounted for water usage by businesses on the night.

The works are one of the largest coordinated repair jobs being undertaken by council to date, with more than 55 crew members across five locations completing the repairs.

To complete the replacement of the damaged section of pipe, crews will need to partially drain 11kms of the sewer line, or 900,000 litres of sewage from the main.

This will involve turning off 88 sewerage pump stations in the Mackay sewerage scheme.

By switching them off, sewage will cease flowing at the required location enabling the crews to repair the pipe.

Residents can contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) if they have any questions.

TIPS TO SLOW SEWERAGE ON SATURDAY NIGHT

1. If you have a pool, take a dip instead of taking a shower and quickly rinse under the garden hose to let the grass soak up the water.

2. Enjoy a family night out at the Northern Beaches. There are no restrictions there, so take the opportunity to eat out and use their facilities before heading home.

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