Bandung, Indonesia Sentinel — A major water pipeline operated by Bandung’s regional water utility company (PDAM), Perumda Tirtawening, has sprung a leak on Jalan Stasiun Barat Banjaran in Bandung Regency, West Java. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, December 24, is expected to affect around 40,000 customers during the repair process.
The leak was first reported by local residents after noticing water seeping from a garage. According to Joni Mulyadi, Technical Director of Perumda Tirtawening, residents also reported hearing a faint popping sound around 12:30 PM local time.
“This pipeline is a raw water transmission line transporting water from Cikalong to Badak Singa,” Joni explained in a press release on Thursday, December 26, as reported by Kompas. He added that the leak was caused by broken clamp bolts that connect sections of the pipe.
The damaged pipeline is located beneath a garage structure built by a local resident. Repair crews had to dismantle parts of the garage to access the leak.
“We call this the old Cisangkuy transmission pipeline, with a diameter of 800 millimeters and a water flow capacity of about 700 liters per second,” Joni stated.
After reducing the water flow, we decided to proceed with repairs since the location is away from major roads, minimizing disruptions during Christmas and New Year celebrations,”
Affecting 40.000 Customers
Meanwhile, Novera Deliyasma, Service Director of Perumda Tirtawening, said the repairs would impact around 40.000 customers in service zones 2, 3, 5, and 6, including Antapani and Cicaheum.
“Service Zone 2 covers Sukapada, Padasuka, Pasir Layung, and most of Antapani. Eastern areas like Cicaheum will also experience disruptions,” Novera explained.
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Novera urged customers to remain patient as water supply disruptions are addressed. The repair and normalization process is expected to take up to seven days, involving the replacement of decades-old bolts and ensuring no further leaks occur.
“When pipelines are empty, air naturally fills the void. When water is reintroduced, trapped air creates resistance. We need to carefully flush the air out and gradually restore the water flow,” she said.
While the repairs of the water Pipeline leak were in progress, Perumda Tirtawening has deployed water tanker trucks to supply clean water to affected residents until normal distribution resumes.
(Raidi/Agung)