Remember when rivers were safe to fish in? Locals say this spill changed everything
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Environmental hazards can arise without warning—sometimes right in the heart of our communities.
A recent incident in Western Australia has sparked health concerns and left residents demanding answers.
What began as a localised issue has now grown into a much broader problem with far-reaching consequences.
Biohazards rarely go unnoticed—especially when they arrive with a stench strong enough to stop locals in their tracks.
Over several days, a burst sewer pipe in Perth’s southern suburbs triggered a contamination crisis that spread far beyond its original location, impacting public spaces and popular waterways.
What began in Beaconsfield slowly crept into Applecross, Alfred Cove and even Fremantle’s sailing community, prompting urgent warnings and public frustration.
It all started on 6 June, when residents noticed a foul smell wafting through the streets of Beaconsfield. Soon after, a pool of sewage began forming, caused by a pipe failure that the Water Corporation struggled to contain. One resident didn’t mince words: ‘Went out to look and you could smell it…Smells like a toilet.’
Meanwhile, another pipeline had already ruptured on Hamilton Road in Spearwood, compounding the issue. Wastewater began seeping into nearby waterways, triggering environmental alarms. The Water Corporation shut off pipes to prevent further damage, but the situation proved difficult to resolve.
‘The repair in Spearwood is quite complex,’ Water Corporation media and external affairs manager Dean Stacey explained. ‘Instead of being able to weld a band around that pipeline, we’re having to pre-fabricate a new section of pipeline.’
As of 10 June, the spill had yet to be resolved entirely. While efforts were underway to repair the damage, untreated sewage had already made its way into the Swan River, drains along Dunkley Avenue in Applecross, Burke Drive in Alfred Cove and the harbour at the Fremantle Sailing Club. Even roads near South Terrace in South Fremantle were affected.
The Water Corporation issued a stern warning urging locals to avoid recreational activities—especially fishing—near the contaminated water. But for many, that advice was nearly impossible to follow.
‘We’ve received a message from Water Corp saying not to go anywhere near it, try not to breathe it in and everything, which is pretty hard when it’s on your doorstep,’ said Greg Woodward, a local resident.
Dean Stacey acknowledged the disruption and issued a public apology: ‘We’re working really closely with our regulators at the Department of Health and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, we’re also working very closely with local government authorities.’ He added, ‘For many people this has been a really disruptive event…It’s important for us to be out today to own it and to apologise.’
As crews rushed to finalise repairs in Spearwood on Monday night, attention turned to the forecast. With rain expected on 11 June, many locals feared the situation could worsen if runoff carried more sewage through the area.
Until the source was repaired and proper clean-up could begin, residents remained on edge—watching, waiting and hoping the worst had already passed.
With so many changes to our waterways and infrastructure over the years, do you think enough is being done to prevent these kinds of accidents? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
In a previous story, we looked at a sewage leak that raised serious concerns about the safety of seafood and the health of the Albert River ecosystem.
For seniors who enjoy fishing or simply value clean waterways and fresh local seafood, these incidents are a troubling reminder of how infrastructure issues can ripple through everyday life.
If you missed that one, it’s worth reading to see just how far-reaching the impact of a sewage spill can be.
Read more: Is your seafood safe? Shocking sewage leak threatens Albert River ecosystem and your health!
A recent incident in Western Australia has sparked health concerns and left residents demanding answers.
What began as a localised issue has now grown into a much broader problem with far-reaching consequences.
Biohazards rarely go unnoticed—especially when they arrive with a stench strong enough to stop locals in their tracks.
Over several days, a burst sewer pipe in Perth’s southern suburbs triggered a contamination crisis that spread far beyond its original location, impacting public spaces and popular waterways.
What began in Beaconsfield slowly crept into Applecross, Alfred Cove and even Fremantle’s sailing community, prompting urgent warnings and public frustration.
Sewage leak spreads through southern Perth suburbs. Image source: 9News
It all started on 6 June, when residents noticed a foul smell wafting through the streets of Beaconsfield. Soon after, a pool of sewage began forming, caused by a pipe failure that the Water Corporation struggled to contain. One resident didn’t mince words: ‘Went out to look and you could smell it…Smells like a toilet.’
Meanwhile, another pipeline had already ruptured on Hamilton Road in Spearwood, compounding the issue. Wastewater began seeping into nearby waterways, triggering environmental alarms. The Water Corporation shut off pipes to prevent further damage, but the situation proved difficult to resolve.
‘The repair in Spearwood is quite complex,’ Water Corporation media and external affairs manager Dean Stacey explained. ‘Instead of being able to weld a band around that pipeline, we’re having to pre-fabricate a new section of pipeline.’
As of 10 June, the spill had yet to be resolved entirely. While efforts were underway to repair the damage, untreated sewage had already made its way into the Swan River, drains along Dunkley Avenue in Applecross, Burke Drive in Alfred Cove and the harbour at the Fremantle Sailing Club. Even roads near South Terrace in South Fremantle were affected.
The Water Corporation issued a stern warning urging locals to avoid recreational activities—especially fishing—near the contaminated water. But for many, that advice was nearly impossible to follow.
‘We’ve received a message from Water Corp saying not to go anywhere near it, try not to breathe it in and everything, which is pretty hard when it’s on your doorstep,’ said Greg Woodward, a local resident.
Dean Stacey acknowledged the disruption and issued a public apology: ‘We’re working really closely with our regulators at the Department of Health and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, we’re also working very closely with local government authorities.’ He added, ‘For many people this has been a really disruptive event…It’s important for us to be out today to own it and to apologise.’
As crews rushed to finalise repairs in Spearwood on Monday night, attention turned to the forecast. With rain expected on 11 June, many locals feared the situation could worsen if runoff carried more sewage through the area.
Until the source was repaired and proper clean-up could begin, residents remained on edge—watching, waiting and hoping the worst had already passed.
With so many changes to our waterways and infrastructure over the years, do you think enough is being done to prevent these kinds of accidents? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
In a previous story, we looked at a sewage leak that raised serious concerns about the safety of seafood and the health of the Albert River ecosystem.
For seniors who enjoy fishing or simply value clean waterways and fresh local seafood, these incidents are a troubling reminder of how infrastructure issues can ripple through everyday life.
If you missed that one, it’s worth reading to see just how far-reaching the impact of a sewage spill can be.
Read more: Is your seafood safe? Shocking sewage leak threatens Albert River ecosystem and your health!
