COUNCIL received a tip-off about a water leak in East Tamworth five days before a main failed and inundated eight houses.
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In a statement to The Leader, director of water and waste Bruce Logan cinfirmed council was notified of a leak near the subsequently ruptured main, last Wednesday.
Council staff investigated the area on Armidale Road on Thursday and Friday but couldn’t find any sign of a leak.
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“Understanding that there are two mains located in this area, staff investigated and made arrangements to expose and repair the leak on Thursday, June 28,” Mr Logan said.
“On that day, staff located and excavated the 200 millimeter diameter water main which runs parallel to the 500 millimeter water main in this location.
“There was no sign of a leak.”
Staff went in search of the source of the leak on Friday without success.
The 500 millimetre main burst and was discovered at about 3am on Monday morning.
Eight houses sustained significant damage as a result of the break.
Residents from five of the affected homes remain in alternative accommodation as contractors clean-up their residences.
“It could be another two or three days before they can return home,” he said.
“Contractors are still working to make their homes habitable.
“Our latest advice from staff on the ground is that it will be another two-to-three days before residents will be in a position to return home.”
It’s still unclear how much it will cost council to clean-up and repair the damage.
Residents in East Tamworth, towards Nemingha, were without water until 11.30pm on Monday night as crews scrambled to repair the main, which was believed to be about 60-years-old.
Mr Logan said on Monday there was no way for council to test its older main and predict the kind of failure which occurred.
The pipe wasn’t slated for replacement any time soon.