Nationwide blackout leaves harbour towns without water

Tuesday’s nationwide blackout has left 11 localities directly connected to the Pembroke reverse osmosis plant without water supply.

A spokesman for the Water Services Corporation said the affected localities – Sliema, Gżira, San Ġwann, Msida, Pieta' Ta' Xbiex, St Andrews, Birkirkara, St Julians, Paceville and Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq – are directly connected to the reverse osmosis plant.

“Reverse osmosis plants consume 6% of the total electrical consumption and thus the plant cannot be switched on all at once. These localities are directly fed by the plant. Supply will return once the process to switch on the plant, reservoirs are filled and water starts flowing again through the pipes is completed,” the spokesman said.

The plant fully operates on electrical supply. A power cut causes technical problems which in turn makes the process of switching on the plant and the restoration of water supply a lengthy one.

“Water supply to those localities directly fed by the Pembroke reverse osmosis will return to normal in the coming hours,” he added.

It transpires that these 11 localities are the only ones to be solely fed by a reverse osmosis, whereas other localities are also fed by water reservoirs.