Kimberley residents advised to avoid floodwaters
Water Corporation crews are continuing to monitor and manage water and wastewater systems in Broome following heavy rainfall that has caused flash flooding.
All wastewater pump stations are operational, and both the Broome South and Broome North Wastewater Treatment Plants are currently operating as normal.
There remains potential for wastewater systems to back up, causing wastewater to mix with floodwater. Residents should avoid contact with floodwater where possible, and take hygiene measures should contact occur:
- Wash hands and body thoroughly with clean warm water and soap, especially before eating.
- Immediately wash and disinfect any wounds.
- Change out of dirty clothes and wash clothes separately.
- Clean and dry dirty footwear.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any illness.
Floodwater may also contain petrol and chemical residuals washed off road surfaces, playing fields, agricultural paddocks and industrial areas.
Residents should not approach access chambers (manholes) that appear to be discharging water as the covers may have dislodged due to water pressure.
Report any water or wastewater faults or overflows to Water Corporation’s 24/7 Operations Centre on 13 13 75.
UPDATE AS AT 12:00, 31 JANUARY 2022
Kimberley residents are advised to avoid contact with floodwaters which may have been contaminated by wastewater in the wake of rapid, heavy rainfall overnight.
Water Corporation crews are working to manage flows through the wastewater scheme, however, residents should assume floodwater is contaminated and avoid contact with it. Should contact occur, follow basic hygiene practices:
- 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.
Residents should not approach any access chamber (manhole) that appears to be discharging water. The cover may have dislodged due to water pressure, creating a safety hazard.
There are no impacts to drinking water quality, and the Broome South Wastewater Treatment Plant is operating as normal.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) also advised people to take care on the roads and avoid driving through floodwaters.
A spokesperson said floodwaters could take control of a four-wheel drive in just 30cm of flowing water.
“No one should walk, swim or play in floodwaters and, if a road is closed, it’s closed,” the spokesperson said.
“Never assume that you will be safe because you’re familiar with the roads. Nine out of 10 flood water deaths on WA roads involve a local motorist.”
Report any water or wastewater faults or overflows to Water Corporation’s 24/7 Operations Centre on 13 13 75.
Find the latest alerts and warnings on www.emergency.wa.gov.au.
Media contact:
Water Corporation media team (24/7)
P: (08) 9420 2555
E: media@watercorporation.com.au
DFES Media Team
P: (08) 9395 9543
E: media@dfes.wa.gov.au