Hannah Hill Reservoir nears return to service after repairs

The Hannah Hill Reservoir, which provides water to Sea Cows Bay, Palestina, and Pock Wood Pond, has moved into its closing stages of preparation for service, the Water and Sewerage Department said on 28 September.

After undergoing repairs and passing leak tests, the facility was cleaned to meet health standards. Starting Monday 28 September, crews began emptying and flushing the system to clear out residual water and ready it for drinking-water use. Director Lyndon Hodge said the flushing should be finished within 48 to 72 hours.

Once flushing concludes, the reservoir will be filled again and reconnected to the water network. Minister for Communications and Works Kye M. Rymer said the department will hold off supplying water until it passes all operational and safety checks, and that testing will verify the water meets drinking-water standards.

"This work marks an important step toward resolving the longstanding water-supply challenges experienced by residents and end users in the affected communities," Minister Rymer said. "We thank the public for its patience, cooperation, and understanding as we complete this essential work."

The reservoir project sits within the ministry's broader push to tackle water shortages that prompted the government to declare water a national critical priority. The department said it will share updates as the work moves forward.