Hamilton Road, Spearwood/Coogee

Over the weekend, crews completed repairs to a damaged wastewater pipe along Hamilton Road, Spearwood/Coogee. Final work to bring the repaired pipe back into service is being completed today and into this evening.

Clean-up work at Watsonia Park in Spearwood has been prioritised, with crews continuing to restore garden beds and other areas impacted by wastewater overflow. Grassed areas have been disinfected and dressed with topsoil. We will soon begin removing affected vegetation and thoroughly clean other impacted areas in consultation with regulators and the City of Cockburn. In the event new rainfall refills two small ponds located at the park, additional sucker trucks may be required to remove this water. 

Hamilton Road remains closed in both directions, with the northbound lane expected to reopen later today or early tomorrow. Timeframes for full reinstatement, including footpaths and verge areas, will become clearer later today. 

Work in progress along Hamilton Road, Spearwood/Coogee

Our customer support caravan has moved to Karbuni Parade, adjacent Watsonia Park. If you have any queries for our team, please pop by for a chat any time before 10pm, or contact us 24/7 on 13 13 75.

Caesar Street, Beaconsfield

Work to repair a second damaged wastewater pipe along Caesar Street, Beaconsfield, will commence after the damaged wastewater pipe along Hamilton Road, Spearwood/Coogee is reinstated. A construction methodology and schedule for completion of this work is currently being determined, timeframes will be communicated with residents when known.

Restoration of Bruce Lee Reserve in Beaconsfield is also progressing, with crews commencing work yesterday to remove wastewater residue from the grassed playing area. Further work to remove and replace turf will take place in consultation with the City of Fremantle, over the coming days. Once each area is restored to the satisfaction of regulators and local government, they will be reopened. We are committed to keeping the communities updated on progress. 

As repair and reinstatement work continues, residents are asked to please observe warning signage and avoid cordoned off areas. We wish to thank the community for their patience, cooperation and support of our crews. We understand the significant disruption this incident has caused, and sincerely apologise to everyone impacted. 

More information

See our frequently asked questions for the latest information on customer support, public health, odour and environmental impacts.

Permanent repairs to the burst sewer main along Hamilton Road, Spearwood/Coogee, are progressing well.  

We had been expediting a temporary repair to minimise disruption to the community and get the damaged sewer back into service as soon as possible but are now progressing a permanent solution. 

While this work will take slightly longer – continuing this weekend and into early next week – it will mean no further disruption for residents on Hamilton Road. 

Following a successful repair at Hamilton Road, work will then commence at Caesar Street with timeframes to be determined. 

Clean-up work continues at Watsonia Park in Spearwood and preparatory work will commence next week at Bruce Lee Reserve, Beaconsfield. We will provide an update on the longer-term restoration timeframes when available. There may be temporary increases in odour following rainfall but this will lessen as we progress our clean-up work.

Residents in the affected areas are asked to observe warning signage and avoid cordoned off areas as repairs progress. 

Further updates will be provided via email, Water Corporation’s website and social media channels. 

  

Water Corporation crews are working round the clock on the repairs to a burst sewer main along Hamilton Road, Spearwood/Coogee.

Crews working on a temporary repair last night (11 June), identified an alternative solution which removes the need for a further repair work over the coming months. This solution eliminates long-term disruption for residents on Hamilton Road.

Work will continue over the next week and updated timeframes for completion will be communicated when they are known. Recognising the extended period of disruption, we are continuing to support and relocate directly affected residents as required. 

Prioritising the work at Hamilton Road will take the pressure off the rest of the sewer network, including the damaged section along Caesar Street, Beaconsfield, where wastewater flows continue to be managed by tankering. 

Following a successful repair at Hamilton Road, work will then commence at Caesar Street with timeframes to be determined.

The initial restoration work continues at the affected parkland and wetland in Spearwood (Watsonia Park and Dalmatia Park), with the ponds expected to be drained today to help recover any residual wastewater. The timeframe for final restoration of Bruce Lee Reserve, Beaconsfield, will be communicated after a contractor is appointed to commence this work. 

Residents in the affected areas are asked to observe warning signage and avoid cordoned off areas as repairs progress.

Water Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer Pat Donovan says: “While a permanent repair on the Hamilton Road sewer will take longer, it means no further disruption to those affected residents. The work is complex with various technical challenges, including working around a high-pressure gas main, but we’re striving to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible. We’re here to help, and I encourage residents with any concerns to chat to our support teams on the ground or call us on 13 13 75. We’d like to apologise again for all the disruption these bursts have caused.” 

Further updates will be provided via email, Water Corporation’s website and social media channels.

Repairs and restoration are continuing following a burst wastewater main in Spearwood/Coogee on Friday and related overflows in some southern suburbs.  

Since Monday (9 June), all overflows have stopped and Water Corporation crews are prioritising the initial repairs at Hamilton Road, Spearwood/Coogee, which will help take the pressure off the rest of the sewer network. However, this repair is more challenging and complex than first expected, requiring pre-fabricated pipe, with repairs not likely to be completed before Friday (13 June) at the earliest.  

The repair methodology and associated timeframes for the site at Caesar Street, Beaconsfield, are still to be determined. 

The initial clean-up of the affected verges and parkland (Watsonia Park and Dalmatia Park) near Hamilton Road in Spearwood is ongoing with similar work commencing at Bruce Lee Reserve, Beaconsfield. Sucker trucks are recovering contaminated water from grassed areas and ponds. 

Residents in the affected areas are asked to observe warning signage and avoid cordoned off areas as repairs progress. 

Water Corporation has a dedicated customer support team on the ground in Spearwood/Coogee (customer support caravan located on the corner of Hamilton Road and Yakas Chase) who will be there for the duration of the incident. They will be available to directly answer queries (7am-10pm). 

Water Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer Pat Donovan says: “This has been a challenging few days for the community and we fully acknowledge the distress and disruption these unfortunate incidents have caused and sincerely apologise. 

  “Our focus is on completing the initial repairs as quickly and safely as possible but it’s complex work and, longer term, the section of pipe along Hamilton Road will be replaced. We’re also continuing the initial clean-up of the affected sites while longer-term restoration plans are developed. 

“We thank the community for their support while we work to complete the repairs as quickly and safely as possible.” 

Further updates will be provided via email, Water Corporation’s website and social media channels. 

Water Corporation crews are progressing repairs and restoration following a wastewater main burst in Spearwood on Friday and related overflows in some southern suburbs. 

All overflows have stopped and crews are working around the clock to effect repairs in Spearwood. Owing to the location of the burst, this work is complex and requires parts to be pre-fabricated before they can be installed. 

The initial restoration of affected parkland near Hamilton Road in Spearwood has commenced (Watsonia Park and Dalmatia Park, bordered by Yakas Chase, Karbuni Parade and Nadilo Drive). 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. 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. Similar actions will commence at Bruce Lee Reserve, Beaconsfield, in coming days once the risk of any further overflows has passed. 

Once each area is restored to the satisfaction of regulators and local government, they will be reopened but this will take time and we will keep the communities updated on progress. 

We acknowledge the concern and frustration of residents, and unreservedly apologise for any inconvenience caused. 

Residents in vicinity of Hamilton Road, Spearwood, and Bruce Lee Reserve, Beaconsfield, are asked to observe warning signage and avoid cordoned off areas as repairs progress. 

In the event of contact with any residual wastewater, wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water and disinfect any surfaces exposed to wastewater.

Temporary odour may be still be present in the vicinity of the affected sites. To minimise odours, please keep windows closed and consider using fans or air purifiers if needed. Avoid exercising outdoors if strong odours are present. If you feel unwell and experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and nausea, phone HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 or seek medical advice.

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.

Repairs and remediation of sites affected by wastewater overflows continues following Friday’s (6 June) major burst on a sewer main in Spearwood.

Overflows have affected Bruce Lee Reserve, Beaconsfield, and the site of the original burst around Hamilton Road, Spearwood, with smaller related overflows in Alfred Cove, Applecross and South Fremantle.

Water Corporation is liaising with WA Department of Health, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to manage the public health and environmental impacts to ensure public safety.

While flows have been stopped, repairs are expected to take some time to ensure the safety of crews. Given the complexity of the wastewater network and the amount of wastewater backed up in the system, there remains a risk of further localised overflows. Remediation of the affected sites will start as soon as practical.

Traffic management is currently in place along Hamilton Road, Spearwood, between Ocean Road and Mell Road, and Caesar Street in Beaconsfield is currently closed in both directions.

People should stay out of the affected sites and heed warning signage with security and barricades in place for the community’s protection. The primary affected sites are:

• Caesar Street and Bruce Lee Reserve, Beaconsfield, particularly the area bordered by Caesar Street and South Street
• Hamilton Road and Watsonia Park, Spearwood, bordered by Yakas Chase, Karbuni Parade and Nadilo Drive

With minor related overflows:

• Into the Swan River from the drain in front of the sewer pump station on Dunkley Avenue, Applecross (opposite junction with Cantray Avenue)
• Into the Swan River from a stormwater drain at Burke Street, Alfred Cove
• On the road outside 346 South Terrace, South Fremantle
• Within the harbour at Fremantle Sailing Club,151 Marine Terrace, Fremantle

In the event of contact with any residual wastewater, wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water and disinfect any surfaces exposed to wastewater.

Temporary odour may be experienced in the vicinity of the affected sites. To minimise odours, please keep windows closed and consider using fans or air purifiers if needed. Avoid exercising outdoors if strong odours are present. If you feel unwell and experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and nausea, seek medical advice.

People should also not undertake any water recreational activities, including fishing and crabbing, in the Swan River along Burke Street in Alfred Cove and Dunkley Avenue in Applecross and within the harbour at Fremantle Sailing Club due to the related minor overflows.

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.

Should you have further questions, please contact our Customer Faults Team on 13 13 75 (24/7). Further updates will be provided via email, Water Corporation’s website and social media channels.

Water Corporation crews are continuing to respond following wastewater overflows at Bruce Lee Reserve, Beaconsfield and in the vicinity of Hamilton Road, Spearwood. Flows have been stopped at both sites, with repair and remediation works progressing.

We wish to apologise for any inconvenience caused and reassure nearby residents that crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to complete repairs.

As this complex work continues, residents may notice temporary odours in the vicinity of Bruce Lee Reserve and Hamilton Road.

To minimise odours, please keep windows closed and consider using fans or air purifiers if needed. Avoid exercising outdoors if strong odours are present.

We are working closely with the WA Department of Health to ensure areas affected by wastewater are fully remediated, made safe and amenity is restored.

If you feel unwell and experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and nausea, seek medical advice.

As repairs progress, the public is asked to avoid Bruce Lee Reserve and areas around Hamilton Road, including Watsonia Park and Dalmatia Park, bordered by Yakas Chase, Karbuni Parade and Nadilo Drive. Warning signage, security and barricades are in place for the community’s protection.

While flows have ceased, in the event of contact with any residual wastewater, wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water and disinfect any surfaces exposed to wastewater.

Again, we wish to apologise and thank the community for the support shown to our crews as they work to complete repairs.

Should you have further questions, please contact our Customer Faults Team on 13 13 75. Further updates will be provided via email, Water Corporation’s website and social media channels.

Water Corporation crews are continuing to respond following wastewater overflows at Bruce Lee Reserve, Beaconsfield and in the vicinity of Hamilton Road, Spearwood. Flows have been stopped at both sites, with repair and remediation works progressing.

We wish to apologise for any inconvenience caused and reassure nearby residents that crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to complete repairs.

As this complex work continues, residents may notice temporary odours in the vicinity of Bruce Lee Reserve and Hamilton Road.

To minimise odours, please keep windows closed and consider using fans or air purifiers if needed. Avoid exercising outdoors if strong odours are present.

We are working closely with the WA Department of Health to ensure areas affected by wastewater are fully remediated, made safe and amenity is restored.

If you feel unwell and experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and nausea, seek medical advice.

As repairs progress, the public is asked to avoid Bruce Lee Reserve and areas around Hamilton Road, including Watsonia Park and Dalmatia Park, bordered by Yakas Chase, Karbuni Parade and Nadilo Drive. Warning signage, security and barricades are in place for the community’s protection.

While flows have ceased, in the event of contact with any residual wastewater, wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water and disinfect any surfaces exposed to wastewater.

Again, we wish to apologise and thank the community for the support shown to our crews as they work to complete repairs.

Should you have further questions, please contact our Customer Faults Team on 13 13 75. Further updates will be provided via email, Water Corporation’s website and social media channels.

Water Corporation crews are responding to a wastewater overflow on Caesar Street, Beaconsfield which is affecting Bruce Lee Reserve.

Pedestrians are asked to avoid entering the reserve due to pooled wastewater, with traffic management also in place along Caesar Street, between South Street and Grosvenor Street. 

No properties are impacted, however, repairs may take some time to complete.

Water Corporation has been in contact with the City of Fremantle to confirm the cancellation of tomorrow’s Freo Farmers Market event at Bruce Lee Reserve.

The overflow is linked to a similar incident on Hamilton Road, Spearwood which resulted in a significant volume of wastewater overflowing along a section of Hamilton Road, nearby streets and into Watsonia Park and Dalmatia Park, bordered by Yakas Chase, Karbuni Parade and Nadilo Drive.

Crews have stopped the overflow and clean-up operations are underway, however, full repairs are complex and will occur in coming days. 

Hamilton Road remains closed in both directions, with traffic detours expected to remain in place until later today. Access to Coogee Plaza currently remains open.

People should continue to avoid contact with any pooled wastewater and heed warning signage. In the event of any contact, hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and clean water and any surfaces exposed to wastewater, including vehicles, should be disinfected.

Crews are working hard to effect repairs, and we wish to sincerely apologises to the community and affected residents for the inconvenience caused.

Any issues should be reported to Water Corporation on 13 13 75 (24/7).

Road users should continue to avoid Hamilton Road, Spearwood, between Ocean Road and Mell Road, due to ongoing work to repair a damaged sewer main.

The road is closed in both directions with a traffic detour in place and is expected to remain closed for the rest of today. Access to Coogee Plaza currently remains open.

Water Corporation crews are on site but, for safety reasons, crews need to wait until the sewer main is completely drained before attempting repairs.

The burst main resulted in a significant volume of wastewater overflowing along a section of Hamilton Road, nearby streets and into Watsonia Park and Dalmatia Park, bordered by Yakas Chase, Karbuni Parade and Nadilo Drive.

People should avoid contact with any pooled wastewater and heed warning signage. In the event of any contact, hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and clean water and any surfaces exposed to wastewater, including vehicles, should be disinfected.

The cause of the burst is not yet known and will be established following further investigations.

Water Corporation sincerely apologises to the community and affected residents for the inconvenience caused.

Any issues should be reported to Water Corporation on 13 13 75 (24/7).

Road users should avoid Hamilton Road, Spearwood, between Ocean Road and Mell Road, due to a major burst on a sewer pressure main.

Water Corporation crews are on site trying to isolate the main but repairs are expected to take some time.

People should avoid all contact with any wastewater and wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water after any contact. Any surfaces exposed to wastewater, including vehicles, should be disinfected.

Water Corporation apologises for the inconvenience caused and will provide further details in due course. Access to Coogee Plaza currently remains open.

Any issues should be reported to Water Corporation on 13 13 75 (24/7).

We are working closely with the WA Department of Health to ensure any areas affected by wastewater are fully remediated, made safe and amenity is restored.  

As repairs progress, please continue to avoid areas surrounding Hamilton Road including Watsonia Park and Dalmatia Park, bordered by Yakas Chase, Karbuni Parade and Nadilo Drive. Warning signage, security and barricades are in place for your protection.  


In the event of contact with any residual wastewater, wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water and disinfect any surfaces exposed to wastewater.  

 
You can find more information on wastewater and health risks by visiting the Healthy WA website. 

In all situations where a wastewater overflow clean-up is being undertaken on your property, all persons involved in the cleanup should wear personal protective clothing such as rubber boots, rubber gloves and washable or disposable coveralls. 

Unprotected persons (and animals) should keep away from the affected area until the area has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. 

Follow the direction of all warning signage and communications associated with the impacted areas.

Other safety precautions to be followed include: 

• Assume anything touched by wastewater is contaminated 
• Ensure that any cuts/scratches or wounds are properly covered (waterproof bandaging/dressing are most effective) before undertaking any cleaning activities

Our customer support caravan has moved to Karbuni Parade, adjacent Watsonia Park. If you have any queries for our team, please pop by for a chat any time before 10pm, or contact us 24/7 on 13 13 75.

We are continuing to support businesses at Coogee Plaza and residents close to Bruce Lee Reserve in Beaconsfield.

As this complex work continues, residents may notice temporary odours in the vicinity of Bruce Lee Reserve and Hamilton Road. There may be temporary increases in odour following rainfall but this will lessen as we progress our clean-up work. 

Sewage odours can be aesthetically offensive, but from a health perspective the chemical of primary concern that should be monitored is hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). 

Multiple odour (H2S) loggers have been installed at the Spearwood and Beaconsfield sites that continuously record the levels of H2S to ensure these are kept well within acceptable health guideline limits as per the Department of Health website “Hydrogen sulfide and public health". We recognise the temporary odour associated with this event is unpleasant but assure residents the monitoring has shown no concern for public health. 

To minimise odours, please keep windows closed and consider the use of fans or air purifiers if needed. Avoid exercising outdoors if strong odours are present.  

We recognise there are many individuals within the community that will be impacted differently to these odours and advise that if you feel unwell or experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and nausea, please contact Health Direct or contact your GP. 

Water Corporation crews are working to restore damaged infrastructure, but residents should assume any floodwater created by rain is contaminated. Measures should be taken to avoid contact with any pooled water and the public should adhere to any on-site instructions from our crew, warning signage, security and barricades in place. 

Other safety precautions include: 

• Do not approach any access chamber (manhole) that appears to be discharging water. The cover could have dislodged due to the water pressure and may be open creating a safety hazard.
• Wash your hands and affected areas of the body thoroughly with clean warm water and soap, especially before eating or drinking.
• Immediately wash and disinfect any wounds that come into contact with floodwater.
• Change out of dirty clothes and wash clothes separately.
• Clean and dry dirty footwear. 
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any illness.

We wish to reassure residents and community members that in the event of rainfall; restoration work will not be halted or postponed. Although, heavy rainfall may reduce the speed at which we can complete work safely.  

Timeline of repair and restoration works:

• Monday 9 June: Work on Hamilton Road, Spearwood/Coogee commenced to excavate a section of burst wastewater pipe. Crews cleaned the affected verges and perimeter of the overflow area.
• Monday 9 June: Work secondary in nature to Hamilton Road, Spearwood/Coogee commenced on the corner of Grosvenor and Caesar Street, Beaconsfield to excavate another section of burst wastewater pipe. This work is investigative only and no significant construction will commence here until after the primary burst at Hamilton Road, Spearwood is repaired. Night-time tankering at this location may be necessary until repairs are complete, during this time nearby residents can expect to notice intermittently increased light, noise and vehicle movements.
• Tuesday 10 June: The Hamilton Road, Spearwood/Coogee pipe was successfully unearthed, and asset condition testing is underway to determine the condition (thickness) of pipe. This will dictate the extent and duration of repair works. Nearby residents can expect to notice increased light, noise and vehicle movements in the area 24/7 until repair and reinstatements are complete.
• Tuesday 10 June: Hamilton Road, Spearwood/Coogee crews continued cleaning the affected verges and perimeter of the overflow area. Two sucker trucks are recovering contaminated water from two small ponds. Fencing is being installed, and the affected areas of grass will initially be covered with sand while a restoration plan is developed in consultation with regulators and local government authorities.
• Tuesday 10 June: Similar remediation actions will commence at Bruce Lee Reserve, Beaconsfield, in coming days once the risk of any further overflows has passed. As with the parkland in Spearwood, the area is being fenced off with signage in place to ensure public safety. 
• Wednesday 11 June: Hamilton Road, Spearwood/Coogee repairs are more challenging and complex than first expected, requiring pre-fabricated pipe, with repairs not likely to be completed before Friday 13 June at the earliest. Nearby residents can expect to notice increased light, noise and vehicle movements in the area 24/7 until repair and reinstatements are complete. The repair methodology and associated timeframes for the site at Caesar Street, Beaconsfield, are still to be determined.
• Thursday 12 June: Last night, crews began installing custom-made parts as part of a planned temporary fix. We had expedited a temporary repair to get the damaged sewer back into service as soon as possible and to minimise disruption to the community. During excavation, we identified an opportunity to replace a longer section of the pipe, which negates the need for future works and minimises the risk of further breaks along that stretch of sewer main. This permanent solution does require continued work over the weekend and into early next week. Residents close to the work area may notice increased light, noise, odour and vehicle movements in the area 24/7 until repair and reinstatements are complete. We will keep you updated on timeframes as this complex work continues.
• Monday 16 June: Repairs to the main in Spearwood were completed last night. Works will continue overnight to bring the repaired pipe back into service. Work to repair the main in Beaconsfield will commence in coming days with timeframes to be communicated with residents when known. 
  Clean up of Watsonia Park is underway and restoration of Bruce Lee Reserve is also progressing.
• Wednesday 18 June: Following the successful repair of the damaged Hamilton Road, Spearwood/Coogee wastewater main over the weekend, additional work continues to rebuild the below ground chamber. We are continuing to restore garden beds and replace lawn impacted by the wastewater overflows in some verge areas. Restoration of the area also includes work to reinstate footpaths and some limestone walls. Work to reinstate and restore areas affected by wastewater at Watsonia Park continues, in close consultation with the City of Cockburn and Department of Health. Work to repair a second damaged wastewater pipe along Caesar Street, Beaconsfield, will commence after the damaged wastewater pipe along Hamilton Road, Spearwood/Coogee is reinstated. Timeframes for this work will be communicated with residents when known. 
  
   

Water Corporation understands the importance and significance of protecting local and native wildlife, we are making every effort complete repairs as quickly and safely as possible.

The smaller, localised overflows at Alfred Cove and Applecross into the Swan River and at Fremantle Sailing Club have stopped with no further discharge since Monday (9 June).  

Water quality monitoring is being undertaken at all discharge locations collaboratively with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and Department of Health (DoH) to inform and assess potential impacts to the Swan River ecosystem. All efforts are focussed on containing flows within the network to prevent discharges in the river. Controls have been installed at discharge locations, including sediment traps at multiple points to assess environmental impacts. 

It is expected that significant dilution is occurring at the locations due to tides, rainfall and stormwater run-off with the impacts considered localised to the discharge locations and expected to be short term.  

If you would like to lodge a complaint, please contact the Water Corporation directly by calling 13 13 75 to enable a quick and effective resolution. 

Alternatively, the Energy and Water Ombudsman Western Australia is an independent, free service available to all customers and can investigate and resolve disputes between customers and Water Corporation. In handling complaints, the Energy and Water Ombudsman considers what is fair and reasonable in the circumstances, taking into account good industry practice and relevant law. 

You can contact the Energy and Water Ombudsman by: 

• Calling 1800 754 004 (free call)
• Emailing your complaint to energyandwater@ombudsman.wa.gov.au
• Completing their online complaint form
• Writing to PO Box Z5386 St Georges Terrace PERTH WA 6831