Precautionary advice for section of Port River after sewer fault

Out of an abundance of caution, SA Health is advising people to avoid primary contact with water in a section of the Port River, following a fault in SA Water’s nearby wastewater network which in the unlikely event may see the potential for a discharge of disinfected and partially-treated wastewater into the waterway.

While there is currently no wastewater overflowing into the River, it’s possible discharge may occur from early Sunday morning, subject to the status of overnight repairs to a sewer main in SA Water’s local network.

SA Health Principal Water Quality Adviser Dr David Cunliffe said the advice is out of precaution.

“As a precaution in the event that wastewater is discharged into the river, we’re advising people to avoid body contact, including swimming and diving, in the Port River between Bower Road and the Expressway,” Dr Cunliffe said.

“People living in the area or visiting parts of the river can still enjoy boating and fishing but should take extra care not to ingest the water. Any equipment used on or in the water should be cleaned thoroughly and hands washed after.

“Pets should be kept out of the water and fish caught in the river should be cleaned and gutted thoroughly before being eaten.

“If contaminated water gets on the skin, especially hands, wash thoroughly with soap and clean water.”

SA Water’s Senior Manager Field Operations Colin Bell echoed SA Health’s message that the advice is precautionary at this stage.

“To allow our crews to safely undertake complex repairs to the sewer main, we’ve identified there is a potential for disinfected and partially-treated wastewater to enter the Port River through our underground network and out of a concrete pipe,” Colin said.

“Once we confirmed the potential for this event, we immediately notified SA Health as the regulator for public health.

“We’re taking steps to minimise the risk of an overflow taking place, including redirecting wastewater from sections of our network and using several vacuum trucks to remove wastewater from a nearby pump station.

“While we haven’t seen an overflow event as yet – and one may not occur at all – it’s important people take note of SA Health’s advice.

“We apologise to the local community for any inconvenience, and assure everyone that we are working as quickly and safely as we possibly can to undertake these repairs.

“We will keep the community updated as the situation progresses.”

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