[Pacific Islands Report briefs for Tuesday, October 15, 2013]

Palau Utilities Corporation Announces Water Rationing
Entirety of Koror, Airai to be restricted from 9 pm to 4 am

KOROR, Palau (Island Times, Oct. 14, 2013) – Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) yesterday issued an update on the water situation, announcing that the water will be shut down starting 9 pm until 4 am. across Koror and Airai. Earlier, PPUC had announced water would be restricted from 11 pm to 4 am, and only residents in Idid, Meketii, Ikelau, Dngeronger, Ngerbeched, Medalaii, Malakal and Meyuns would be affected. PPUC Water and Wastewater Operations Public Relations Coordinator John Kintaro Jr. said during the briefing yesterday that the Ngerkesewaol tank was nearly empty, necessitating rationing for all Koror and Airai. There are four tanks that distribute water to Koror and Airai, with Ngerkesewaol holding 1 million gallons and the other three holding about half that. Kintaro Jr. said water would be shut off for seven hours daily to ensure the tank is refilled by the others during the shutdown. He also said, since last week, the water level in the Ngerkesewaol tank has been decreasing significantly, and one or more leaks may be contributing to the problem. Kintaro Jr. also said PPUC is working day and night to monitor water levels and identify possible leaks, although none have yet been found. The public was also warned water color may change during rationing, and any water for consumption should be boiled before use. In February, water rationing was also implemented in parts of Koror after Ngerkesewaol tank water levels dropped drastically. Several leaks, which were then repaired, were identified as the cause.