Recent floods and wastewater Broome Thursday update

Update: Thursday, 1 February 2018 – 4pm

Water Corporation is advising people not to swim, fish or recreate in Roebuck Bay in Broome until further notice as a precautionary measure following the extreme rainfall event earlier this week.

Broome South Wastewater Treatment Plant - Clementson Street

The overflow via the spillway of the Broome South Wastewater Treatment Plant stopped at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 31 January 2018. Treated wastewater is no longer mixing with stormwater and entering Roebuck Bay. 

Signage is in place to advise the public to keep away from the area. Water Corporation is carrying out water sampling, which will inform the decision 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.

Broome North Wastewater Treatment Plant - Crab Creek Road

The overflow of treated wastewater from the ponds at the Broome North Wastewater Treatment Plant has reduced significantly today.  The treated wastewater has pooled behind the plant and is contained.

Water Corporation crews have begun operating the irrigation system at the Broome North Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is expected to stop the overflow tomorrow.

An aerial survey of the site has confirmed there is no risk of treated wastewater from this plant entering Roebuck Bay.

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

To report any issues with your water or wastewater services, phone Water Corporation 24 hours on 13 13 75.

*Wastewater is 99.97 per cent water as it comes mostly from showers, baths and washing machines