Residents living at the Flame Tree Park condominium in Sin Ming were in for a surprise on New Year’s Day when they turned on their taps to find brown and yellowish water flowing out. The cause? A pipe leak near the junction of Sin Ming Avenue and Upper Thomson Road.
According to the national water agency, PUB, they were notified of the situation at around 9am. “We immediately deployed our service crew on site to trace the source of the leak and commence repair works,” they stated.
Water Supply Not Affected
Thankfully, water supply to other homes and businesses in the vicinity remained unaffected. However, the residents were advised to avoid using the discoloured water. This phenomenon was attributed to the resuspension of mineral sediments caused by the leak.
Temporary Solutions in Place
- PUB deployed a water wagon to the condominium.
- Water bags were distributed to residents for temporary relief.
- The managing agent of the condominium initiated flushing of the estate’s water pipes and tanks.
Repair works are currently ongoing and are expected to wrap up by 2 January 2024.
Residents Share Their Experiences
A local doctor, who lives in the affected condo, recounted that at around 2am, his wife noticed the water in their toilet bowl had turned brown. By 8am, he observed that both their kitchen and toilet taps were also expelling discoloured water. “It definitely affected my plans for the public holiday,” he remarked. The couple opted to buy bottled water for the day, prioritising the safety of their five-year-old daughter.
In a message sent to residents, the management advised residents to check their water supply. They reported that some units experienced the yellowish water, prompting immediate action from the condo management and PUB.
Safety Concerns Acknowledged
Worries have surfaced amongst residents regarding potential sinkholes, particularly since a similar incident was reported at Tanjong Katong Road in July 2023. Workers at the scene were seen redirecting traffic as repair efforts continued into the night.
As investigations into the cause of the leak proceed, residents are left hoping for a speedy resolution. After all, starting the new year is best done with a clear tap and a bright smile.