To the Editor,

Can you please provide an update on the Jamberoo sewer pump debacle? Recently, several sewer pump alarms were going off around Chapel Lane, Jamberoo. If you are anywhere near them when the alarm sounds, it is piercing—even inside your home! My neighbor's pump went off a few times, as did others in the area. On this occasion, mine didn’t go off, but I had to keep running downstairs to check, as the sound was so close.

I’ve had numerous problems with my own pump over the years and recently had to pay for a new one. I’m now extremely worried it might break down again. Sydney Water has provided no information, and all I could find out is that one of the main pumps near the primary school has been a major issue. I’ve also heard from a local that no more connections can be made to the current system and that some residences might be pumping sewage into the stormwater drains. If true, wouldn’t that be illegal?

I feel like residents are being kept in the dark about the capabilities of the sewer pump system. Many of us, including myself, had to pay for individual systems because the $30,000 Sydney Water fee was unaffordable. I am elderly, on a pension, and since moving to Jamberoo seven years ago, I’ve had constant issues with my pump—alarms going off, tank flooding, and expensive repairs.

I was told these individual units were reliable and designed for this type of situation, but I’ve also heard tradesmen say the system is at maximum capacity here in Jamberoo. Sydney Water denied responsibility when my tank’s hoses blew off during one of their wastewater repairs, but it seemed strange that the issue occurred right when they were working in another street. This led to more costs for me—new floats, clamps, and a pump controller.

In my opinion, the individual pump system in Jamberoo was always a cost-cutting measure by Sydney Water, and it urgently needs to be investigated.

Sincerely,

Leigh Eldridge