Simple solutions to panic buying

Unitywater says there are simple solutions if panic-buying has stripped shops of toilet paper and bottled water.

Executive Manager Strategic Engagement Joshua Zugajev said if you have to use alternative toilet paper, like paper towel or tissues: bin them, don’t flush them.

“We don’t mind what you use, but if it’s not toilet paper, please put it in the bin,” he said.

“Flushing anything other than toilet paper will could cause unpleasant blockages in your plumbing at home and blockages and unpleasant overflows in our network.

“Even tissues are a problem, like wet wipes, they don’t break down like toilet paper does.”

Mr Zugajev said there was also a solution for no bottled water on supermarket shelves.

“You don’t need to buy bottled water,” he said, “fill up containers (that have a lid), jerry cans and bottles at home, with fresh, clean water from the tap.

“We encourage you to set aside 10 litres of water per person for drinking and basic hygiene in case you experience a water interruption as a result of Cyclone Alfred.”

Mr Zugajev said Unitywater’s customer service counters in Maroochydore and Mango Hill temporarily closed yesterday.

Customers can access self-service options at www.unitywater.com but leave account-related inquiries until the cyclone has passed.

Report water or wastewater-related issues at www.unitywater.com/faults 

Unitywater Executive Manager Customer Delivery, Rhett Duncan, said crews are ready and prepared to respond 24/7.

“We have proactive processes in place to make sure our network and people are ready to respond safely and quickly as possible,” he said.

“This includes rostering extra crew members over this weekend and into next week to prepare for any potential interruptions or repairs to the network, fuelling and checking essential equipment and making sure the reservoir levels are high.

“Control Room operators, who manage the operation of our entire water and wastewater networks, are also monitoring our network around the clock to keep an eye on the hundreds of pump stations, thousands of kilometres of pipes and our 17 wastewater treatment plants across the region.”

Unitywater’s checklist:

- Make sure your contact details are up to date with Unitywater so they can contact you in case of an emergency. Update at any time through ‘My Account’ at www.unitywater.com

- Your house has an overflow relief gully (or ORG) designed to prevent your house flooding with sewage. Make sure it’s not covered or blocked. Visit unitywater.com/check-your-org

- If you spot a water leak or wastewater overflow, avoid contact with the sewage or dirty water and call Unitywater at any time 1300 086 489.

- ‘Get Ready Queensland’ has a list of emergency kit items on their website, at https://www.getready.qld.gov.a...

- If you lose water during a weather event, check Unitywater’s Outage Map to see if your street is listed and when water is expected to be back at www.unitywater.com/outages

For more tips go to http://www.unitywater.com/wetw...