Reminder- Water supply can be impacted during a cyclone

Water Corporation is reminding North West residents to prepare their homes and store drinking water ahead of the cyclone season. 

Four tropical cyclones cross the Australian coast on average every season, often leaving behind a path of destruction which can include impacts to water and wastewater services. 

Water Corporation North West Regional Manager Sharon Broad said despite an average cyclone season predicted in 2024-25, residents shouldn’t be complacent.

“Our northern WA coast is the most cyclone-prone in the country and even an average cyclone season can still bring damaging winds, heavy rain and flooding,” Mrs Broad said.

“While Water Corporation does what it can to prepare for the cyclone season, residents may still experience low water pressure or an interruption to supply during severe weather.

“I encourage residents to be ready for the season by ensuring properties are in good condition, organise an emergency kit which includes drinking water, and come up with a cyclone plan so you know what to do when disaster strikes.

“Bathtubs and sinks can also be filled with water to provide an additional supply for hygiene purposes.”

On average, each person requires at least 20 litres of water each day for drinking, washing, and cooking. At least 2.5 litres of this are solely for drinking. 

“Residents should also turn off their sprinkler systems ahead of a cyclone to ensure that drinking water is kept for essential purposes,” Mrs Broad said.

“If you are asked to evacuate, water to your home can be turned off completely via the stopcock located at the water meter. This ensures your home is isolated from the water supply.”

Water Corporation works closely with DFES to minimise disruptions to the local community. 

A new cyclone warning system is now in place for WA, replacing the previous blue, yellow, red, and all-clear alerts with three levels: advice, watch and act, and emergency – the same warning levels used for bushfire, flood, and storm. 

For information on how your supply might be impacted by a cyclone or for tips on what you can do to prepare, visit https://www.watercorporation.com.au/Help-and-advice/Water-issues/Natural-disasters-and-incidents/Cyclones-and-your-water-supply. 

For any urgent issues such as damaged water meters and faults resulting from a cyclone, please contact the Water Corporation 24-hour operations line on 13 13 75.