A Topsail Road couple are wondering what’s next after a break in a hydroelectric flume near the CBS-Paradise town border yesterday morning.

A huge jet of high-pressure water erupted from the flume, shot dozens of feet into the air, and across the busy road, affecting neighbouring properties.

Sandra and Eli Vey’s driveway took the brunt of the torrent causing extensive damage. Eli says it’s not the first time they’ve encountered such a problem.

He says it also happened back in June. He was working on the computer when he heard a sound like thunder. That’s when he discovered water striking his bridge. He says water was going everywhere. They called Newfoundland Power who shut it down within 5 minutes, but this time, it took a bit longer.

The water also tore away a retaining wall on a neighbouring property on the other side of the driveway. Eli says he can’t see how that will be fixed this time of year.

Sandra says the flume line needs to be replaced, because it keeps leaking, causing damage to their property.

Newfoundland Power says it had been working on its Hydroelectric Plant penstock. Repairs were completed and another penstock was being put back into service when another section of the penstock broke.

Newfoundland Power says the plant was immediately shut down and the water was stopped.