Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja – important information about water and wastewater services
We’re here to help support communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Seroja. We have announced a new range of financial assistance measures for our residential and business customers.
Support is available if your property has been lost or damaged, as a result of the cyclone.
We’re also offering a water use allowance if you provided free temporary accommodation for cyclone evacuees.
To report any water or wastewater faults, please call 13 13 75 (open 24/7).
16 APR 2021, AWST 18:05 | INCIDENT UPDATE
Overview
- Water Corporation is not currently experiencing any widespread drinking water supply issues in the affected area.
- Power remains an issue in some areas, and crews are working across the affected areas to repair infrastructure damage and manage the impact to our water and wastewater network.
- Storm damage and ongoing power disruption mean that localised (streets/suburbs) temporary water outages or low pressure remain a possibility.
- Ongoing restoration of mains power has substantially returned wastewater networks to normal operation. However, in the event of any residual wastewater, the public is advised to avoid contact with it, as it may contain harmful bacteria.
Cyclone damage
- To prevent damage to property, we recommend turning the water off at the meter if your house is uninhabitable, and it is safe to do so.
- Stack loose material clear of water meters, valves and powerlines.
Non-potable farmlands schemes
- Power outages and wind damage is impacting non-drinking water supply to farms in some areas.
- We are working to source generators but it may take some time to fully restore some farmlands schemes.
- For those in the surrounding area, emergency water for stock use is available at the shire standpipe at Three Springs. Swipe cards to access the standpipe can be collected from the Shire of Three Springs office.
- Damaged farmlands scheme infrastructure should be reported to us on 13 13 75.
Customer support
Our thoughts are with those affected by the cyclone and we are here to support our customers and the community:
- For support or to report faults, please call our 24-hour Operations Centre on 13 13 75.
- Information on any water outages is available on our outages page.
13 APR 2021, AWST 15:43 | INCIDENT UPDATE
Water Corporation can confirm that currently no widespread water outages are expected in Geraldton.
While our crews work round the clock to restore services impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja, there may be some localised temporary water outages or low water pressure due to infrastructure damage or power outages affecting our equipment and systems.
Stormwater inundation and widespread power outages have resulted in some confirmed overflows from wastewater pump stations in Geraldton.
If any remaining wastewater or residuals are present, assume it is contaminated and avoid contact with it, as it may contain harmful bacteria.
If exposed to any wastewater, basic hygiene practices include:
- Wash your hands and affected areas of the body thoroughly with clean warm water and soap, especially before eating.
- Immediately wash and disinfect any wounds that come into contact with wastewater.
- Change out of dirty clothes and wash clothes separately.
- Clean and dry dirty footwear.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any illness.
Water Corporation is working to minimise any possible impacts to customers in the Mid West, while we continue to assess the full impact on our water and wastewater network.
We thank the community for their patience and support.
Information on any water outages is available on Water Corporation’s outages page and customers are encouraged to report any water or wastewater faults to our 24-hour Operations Centre on 13 13 75.
12 APR 2021, AWST 14:00 | INCIDENT UPDATE
Widespread power outages may affect local water supply schemes in parts of the Mid-West, following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja.
Water Corporation is still assessing the full impact across its water and wastewater network and is currently deploying back-up generators, where possible.
It is also advising people to stay out of floodwater, as there is a risk of wastewater contamination if stormwater inundation has caused wastewater pump stations to overflow. Measures should be taken to avoid contact with any pooled water and the public should heed any road closure signs.
People should also stay away from both stormwater drains, which can be fast flowing and dangerous, and access chambers (manholes) as dislodged covers create a hidden safety hazard.
Water Corporation customers are encouraged to report any water or wastewater faults and any dislodged access chamber (manhole) covers to its 24-hour Operations Centre on 13 13 75.
Information on any water outages is available on Water Corporation’s outages page.
Water Corporation will provide further updates as required.