Wastewater overflow due to heavy rain in Broome

Wastewater overflow due to heavy rain in Broome

Water Corporation is advising people not to swim, fish or recreate in Roebuck Bay or Dampier Creek in Broome until further notice as a precautionary measure following the significant amount of rain received in the last 24 hours.

Broome South Wastewater Treatment Plant - Clementson Street

The Broome South Wastewater Treatment Plant began to overflow treated wastewater via the spillway at approximately 3am this morning, 17 February 2018. Treated wastewater has mixed with stormwater and is entering Roebuck Bay. 

Signage is in place to advise the public to keep away from the area. Water sampling will be undertaken and this will inform the decision when to remove public warning signs.

It is important to note the wastewater that overflowed was not raw wastewater – it had gone through the treatment process onsite and the majority of the overflow will be stormwater.

Broome North Wastewater Treatment Plant - Crab Creek Road

The Broome North Wastewater Treatment Plant began overflowing at approximately 7pm last night, 16 February 2018.

Water Corporation crews are operating the irrigation system at the Broome North Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is expected to reduce the amount of overflow that will occur.

The overflow may be contained on site, however an aerial survey will be undertaken when conditions improve to determine if the treated wastewater has reached as far as Roebuck Bay, which is around 6 km from the plant.

Water Corporation is continuing to work with the Department of Health, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and the Shire of Broome.

Wastewater Pump Stations

Two wastewater pump stations in Broome overflowed last night due to the significant inundation of stormwater, but have now stopped. This untreated wastewater, mixed with stormwater, entered into the stormwater drainage network.

Signage is in place at the pump stations on Sanderling Drive and Hamersley Street advising people to keep away from these sites as a precautionary measure.

Water Corporation is reminding people to keep away from stormwater drains around Broome, which may be temporarily full of fast-flowing water after the heavy rain.  There is the potential for flowing stormwater to knock pets and small children off their feet, and they can become caught in drains. 

To report any issues with your water or wastewater service, please phone Water Corporation on 13 13 75.

Water Corporation will inform the community with a further update when the precautionary advice is lifted.