A successful SNO+ start-up:
SNO+ has successfully completed the first water phase of the experiment. During this phase the expected levels of background were verified; in particular, the goals for uranium and thorium contamination in the water were met, and all sources of external backgrounds were measured. The external background measurements are directly transferable to the upcoming scintillator and tellurium-loaded second and third phases of the experiment. An underwater camera system was deployed and commissioned, used to monitor the hold-down rope system of the acrylic vessel, and the location of calibration sources inside the vessel. The SNO+ team also commissioned the new electronics and data acquisition systems, upgraded to handle the higher event rates in SNO+.