Putrid sewage floods Perth homes, contaminates Swan River
Foul-smelling human waste from a burst sewerage main has flooded at least one Spearwood property and impacted several others, the putrid fluid also seeping into the Swan River.
On Friday, the sewerage main had a major burst in Spearwood, causing waste water to flood residential areas, parks and roads.
Four days on from the initial burst, Water Corporation crews have stopped the waste overflowing at the Spearwood site, along with further flows in Beaconsfield, Alfred Cove, Applecross and South Fremantle.
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Waste water in Applecross and Alfred Cove was flowing into the Swan River, sparking a warning for river users.
Spearwood resident April Peck said she could not escape the stench and had been left frustrated by a lack of communication to residents.
'Despite having all our windows and doors closed since Friday, the stench continues to permeate our home,' she said.
'It's now coming up through our sinks, toilets and shower drains. The smell is constant and unbearable.
'We are unable to let our children play outside. We can't enjoy our own backyards or even hang out our washing due to the overwhelming stench and potential contamination.
'We've had no reassurance or information from authorities about the possible health risks. The spill in Westonia Park in Spearwood. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian
'The lack of transparency and communication is deeply concerning. Residents deserve answers and urgent action.'
The burst is also impacting businesses, with road closures and the general smell turning people away.
Coogee Beach Bakery owner Jackie Mayoss said business was suffering.
'We were working at the time, it was very early in the morning and we couldn't tell what the smell was,' she said.
'We thought maybe it was chemical until a customer came in and told us what was happening out on the street.
'They said it was sewage, it was shocking and disappointing to hear this was happening.
'We are down about 25 to 30 per cent of sales easily because people just aren't coming in, one side of the road to get to the bakery is completely blocked, we are missing out on that passing trade and no one wants to eat when they can smell sewage.'
A Coogee Continental Deli worker, who did not want to be named, said they had experienced a reduction in customers.
'On Friday, people were driving through but its obvious we have had less customers today and Monday since the road closed,' they said.
'We can't smell it in the shop because we can smell our food but as soon as you step outside it is horrendous, there's no better way to describe it other than it smells like poop.' Workers are on the scene cleaning up the mess. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian
Repair works in Spearwood will take most of the week while the Beaconsfield repair is even more complicated with no time frame known yet.
A Water Corporation spokesperson apologised for the inconvenience and said work was being done to remediate effected areas.
'Today, crews have continued cleaning the affected verges and perimeter of the overflow area and sucker trucks are recovering contaminated water from two small ponds,' they said.
'The affected areas of grass will initially be cleaned, disinfected and, where necessary, covered with clean sand while a thorough remediation plan is developed in consultation with regulators and local government authorities.
'We wish to sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and reassure nearby residents that crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to complete repairs.'
Waste water was also flowing into Fremantle Harbour at the Fremantle Sailing Club, cancelling some activities.
A City of Fremantle spokesperson said testing was being done on water samples in the area.
Shadow water minister Peter Rundle said Labor needed to 'get basic infrastructure right'.
'It's very concerning that it's taken four days now, it's very concerning that we've had this spillage also into the fishing boat harbour in Fremantle, so this is an absolutely urgent issue,' he said.
'(The) Water Corporation and the State Government need to get on top of it right now.
'The number one issue is safety and people's health and the community's health, that's the number one priority.'
On Tuesday morning, Premier Roger Cook said Perth's size and extent of its network meant some areas were worn.
'In those inner suburbs and older suburbs, that network needs ongoing care and maintenance,' he said.
'Occasionally, you will see a situation where there's a rupture or a breakage, how you respond to that is the important part and they've responded very well in this particular incident.'
Mr Cook said that he was not aware of what compensation was available to impacted residents.
A State Government spokesperson said work was being done to restore safety to residents in the area.
'Water Corporation is working closely with the WA Department of Health and the respective LGAs to ensure areas affected by wastewater are made safe and amenity is restored,' they said.
'We appreciate it has been disruptive for the affected residents, however, Water Corporation is working with them to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.'
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