Team ARC responds to major watermain burst in Burrell Court

Published on 20 January 2025

In a significant and challenging operation, Armidale Regional Council (ARC) Water Team worked around the clock to address a major watermain burst that occurred Tuesday, 14 January 2025, at approximately 11:00 AM in Burrell Court. The incident involved a 300mm watermain pipe—a crucial part of the community's water supply infrastructure that distributes water to businesses and homes in the North Hill area.

Once the ARC Water Team were notified, they mobilised and began the complex repair process, which involved replacing 6 meters of watermain. The work involved isolating the water, excavation, repairs and hydrant flushing at the end.

Hydrant flushing is important after fixing a major watermain burst as it clears any sediment, that may have entered the system during the repair. It restores proper water flow, stabilises water pressure and assists in releasing any air trapped in the network.

The repair works and hydrant flushing was completed by 3:00 AM on Wednesday January 15, 2025, successfully fixing the watermain and restoring water supply to the area.

A watermain burst is unplanned, which leads to a prolonged disruption as it can affect multiple water distribution areas and requires extensive repairs a scheduled water interruption is pre-planned for maintenance and affects only a specific area with residents notified in advance, and the interruption typically lasts only a few hours.

Council is grateful for the efforts of the ARC staff from the following departments: Water-Liam Crespo, Ben Cawley, James Spokes, Ben Marshall, Jake Barton, Anthony Dell, Hayden Strong, Beau Eichorn, David Bell, Glen Wallace, Josh Fern, and Brayden Tranter; Customer Service–Lyn Bourke, Caitlin Doughan, Desley Williams, Bibek Giri, Kallum Koppel, Jock Campbell, Kaycee Wadley, and Elise Brown; and Communications –Dane Townsend, Joanna Harrison and Paulette Henry.