Hannah Hill reservoir nears return to service

The Hannah Hill reservoir has entered the final stages of commissioning, but the Water and Sewerage Department says it must complete flushing and water-quality checks before returning the facility to service.

The reservoir supports water distribution to Sea Cows Bay, Palestina and Pockwood Pond. The department said workers have repaired it, tested it for leaks and sanitised it. They will now empty and flush it to remove residual water before refilling it with water suitable for potable use.

Department director Lyndon Hodge said the flushing was scheduled to begin on Monday, September 28. The department expects the remaining process, including refilling and recommissioning the reservoir, to take approximately 48 to 72 hours.

Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer said the department would not release water for consumption until it had completed the required operational and public-health procedures. Workers will check and test the water against the applicable potable-water standards before returning the reservoir to the distribution network.

“This work marks an important step toward resolving the longstanding water-supply challenges experienced by residents and end users in the affected communities,” Rymer said. “We thank the public for its patience, cooperation, and understanding as we complete this essential work. Further updates will be provided as the commissioning process progresses.”

The update follows rehabilitation work at the site. Earlier this month, contractors had resealed the reservoir, completed work inside it and repaired its water-level indicator. Residents at higher elevations in Hannah Hill had also reportedly experienced reduced water availability while the reservoir remained offline.

Hannah Hill is the first of five reservoirs covered by a $1.97 million rehabilitation contract awarded to Florida Aqua Store in January. The other facilities are at Fort Hill, Sabbath Hill, Balsam Ghut and Minton Hill on Virgin Gorda.

The ministry said the reservoir’s return forms part of the Water and Sewerage Department’s priority work to address the territory’s water-supply challenges.