Council on ground to reset Tumbulgum vacuum sewer system

16 December 2020

High presence expected until system is operational

Tweed Shire Council workers are on the ground in Tumbulgum to get the village’s sewerage system back up and operating.

Tumbulgum has the only vacuum sewer system in the Shire and getting it back online can be challenging.

Vacuum systems are different to all other gravity sewer systems. They operate on a series of pots fitted with vacuum valves. When the wastewater in the pot reaches a certain level, the valve opens and the vacuum removes the waste.

In flood situations, large amounts of water can enter the pots and the vacuum system can fail.

When the system fails, the wastewater and any blockages need to be removed from the system by a vacuum truck so workers can clean and reset the vacuum valves. To do this, the vacuum truck needs to be able to access private property.

“To help us get the vacuum trucks in where we need them we ask all flood-affected residents with sewer pots in their yards to keep the access clear of flood debris and vehicles,” Manager Water and Wastewater Operations Brie Jowett said.

“Until the situation stabilises at Tumbulgum, residents can expect a high Council presence as the clearing and cleaning of valves will continue for some time.

“We also ask for the general public to stay away from flood-affected communities at the moment. This will help with access for essential services, such as our trucks, as well as allow residents impacted to be able to clean up and recover.”

The vacuum system will come back on line in sections and it is likely to be 2 to 3 days before the whole system is operational, depending on upcoming weather and river levels.