Fines to protect south west water catchments

“Respect and protect our drinking water catchments” was the clear message that came out of the Collie and Manjimup Courthouses after seven catchment prosecutions were handed down in the last three months.  

Water Corporation South West Regional Manager, John Janssen said drinking water catchments in the region were protected by laws to safeguard public health and water quality, and the recent prosecutions should act as a warning.

“People may think marroning or swimming in a drinking water catchment area is just a bit of innocent fun, but the potential risks they impose on our drinking water quality are quite significant.

One offender recently received the largest fine ever imposed for catchment-related convictions under the Water Services Regulations 2013, after being ordered to pay a $3,000 fine plus court costs.

The convictions related to entering and bringing dogs into a protected area and marroning offences.

“We take a multi-barrier approach to drinking water quality management, which begins with protecting our drinking water catchments as our first line of defence,” Mr Janssen said.

Water Corporation Rangers regularly patrol drinking water catchment areas and use a variety of surveillance techniques.

“We ask those that are considering visiting our drinking water catchments to do the right thing, follow the signs in the catchment area and keep our local drinking water supply safe.”

For more information, please visit www.watercorporation.com.au/catchments