A sewerage spill that affected parts of Spearwood and Beaconsfield has left the cause unclear, but Water Minister Don Punch maintains that the likelihood of a similar incident is low. The spill, which occurred in late September, prompted concerns following two significant bursts within a month, which released untreated sewage into local streets and the Upper Swan River in Caversham.
Minister Punch responded to calls from the Opposition for an audit of the Water Corporation’s pipe network, asserting that there is no evidence of unusual vulnerability in the system. “We’ve experienced over many years that with 17,000 kilometres of pipe, there’s always a risk that we’ll have a fracture somewhere,” he stated. “The fractures can be minor, but sometimes they can lead to a major breach.”
Despite the recent incidents, Punch expressed confidence in the overall integrity of the infrastructure. He noted that both the Spearwood and Caversham pipes are well within their expected lifespan of over 80 years. He emphasized that the risk of further incidents remains low, attributing the recent occurrences to statistical probability rather than systemic failure.
Investigation and Maintenance Efforts Underway
In response to the incident, Punch acknowledged that it may take “a couple of months” to complete the investigation into the cause of the Spearwood spill. He explained that the process involves metallurgical analysis to determine potential corrosion factors or weaknesses in the pipe. Contributing factors could include specific soil conditions and the type of steel used in the pipes.
“I do know that it was due to be inspected again within the year,” he mentioned, although he could not specify when the last inspection occurred or how much of the network is evaluated annually. Punch highlighted that the Water Corporation employs both reactive and proactive maintenance strategies, reinforced by a recent budgetary increase of $35 million on top of an earlier uplift of $80 million.
He asserted, “I’m very confident that Water Corp’s work in relation to its maintenance and its inspection regime is best practice.” Punch’s comments echo the commitment of the Water Corporation to ensuring the safety and reliability of its infrastructure.
As investigations continue, the community will be keenly observing the findings, awaiting clarity on the causes behind the sewerage spill and the measures necessary to prevent future occurrences.
