Central Wheatbelt and Goldfields potential water supply disruption
Residential and business customers across the Central Wheatbelt and Goldfields are requested to continue limiting all non-essential water use while Water Corporation works to minimise water supply disruption following the extensive power outage in the region.
The potential impact to water services is directly related to the power outages, not any localised water bursts.
As such, customers are advised that low pressure or no supply may be experienced across the regions until further notice while Western Power restores its network. Generators have been deployed to priority sites to help keep the water network operational.
However, with ample water storage in reserve, water supply to Kalgoorlie is unaffected.
Water Corporation is also urging any water supply outages or leaks and bursts on its network to be reported to its operations centre on 13 13 75 (24/7).
With around 7,800 kilometres of pipeline across the Agricultural region alone, reporting issues assists Water Corporation to respond promptly. If mobile communication is unavailable, customers are encouraged to find a working landline or report via local government office.
Impacts to the wastewater network are also a possibility, so the public is advised to avoid contact with any pooling wastewater as it may contain harmful bacteria.
For the latest updates on the wider outages affecting the region, visit Emergency WA and tune into local ABC radio.
Updates on water supply will be provided when available on this page.
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18 JAN 2024, AWST 12:30 | INCIDENT UPDATE
Customers across the Central Wheatbelt are requested to limit all non-essential water use while Water Corporation works to minimise water supply disruption following the ongoing power outage in the region.
Some smaller communities and associated farmlands customers may run out of water, and water services may be interrupted across the region until further notice.
Customers should restrict water use where possible, including:
- Limiting water use in the garden, including switching off reticulation and irrigation.
- Restricting use of appliances, including washing machines and dishwashers.
- Limiting showers and baths as much as possible.
- Only flushing toilets when necessary.
- Not washing vehicles.
Major water users, including local governments, businesses and mining operations, are cooperating to help maintain drinking water supplies to local communities.
The extensive power outage was caused by severe thunderstorm activity, which also directly impacted a key branch main off the Goldfields Pipeline, causing five bursts and knocking the pipe off its support blocks.
Water Corporation continues to liaise closely with Western Power and other agencies to help minimise the impacts, including deploying generators to priority sites and additional staff and resources from across the state.
The priority is to restore water to any affected communities as quickly as possible but the power outage is extensive and restoration timeframes are currently unknown.
Impacts to the wastewater network are also expected, so the public is advised to avoid contact with any pooling wastewater, as it may contain harmful bacteria.
Water Corporation requests any water supply outages are reported to its operations centre on 13 13 75 (24/7).
Further updates will be provided when available on this page.
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17 JAN 2024, AWST 13:00 | INCIDENT UPDATE
Central Wheatbelt townships and associated farmlands customers may experience water supply disruption following a major, ongoing power outage affecting large areas of the region.
Low pressure or no water supply could potentially affect customers across the Central Wheatbelt and south-eastern Moore electorates.
Water Corporation is liaising closely with Western Power and other agencies to help minimise the impact across the region, including deploying generators to priority sites. However, the power outage is extensive and restoration timeframes are currently unknown, so water services may be interrupted until further notice.
Any water supply outages should be reported to Water Corporation on 13 13 75 (24/7). Further updates will be provided on this page in due course.