We have had a few concerning calls today regarding the health of the Cockburn Sound and adjacent waters.
At Recfishwest, we push hard to protect water quality and habitat as well as minimise rubbish and pollution in our aquatic environment.
Given this concern, we sought clarification on the issue and this is the response directly from the Water Corporation:

The algal bloom at Shoalwater Bay is not a result of the temporary decline in the quality of treated wastewater leaving the Woodman Point Wastewater Treatment Plant.

It is important to note the Water Corporation’s precautionary advice is in place for an area 4 kilometres offshore from Cape Peron and does not impact nearby beaches.

To confirm there is no impact on beaches – this is supported by the Water Corporation’s own water quality sampling, including at Shoalwater Bay.

The algal bloom, Trichodesmium erythraeum, is known to occur around Australia and is unique in its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Advice from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions was that the algal bloom was widespread along the Perth coast and parts of Rottnest, indicating that it was not associated with the temporary wastewater issue.

Water Corporation’s modelling also consistently demonstrates the flow of water from its ocean outfall typically moves in a north-west direction, which is away from Shoalwater Bay.

Ongoing sampling of the treated wastewater from the Woodman Point Wastewater Treatment Plant is under way, and recent results show the quality has improved significantly. Water Corporation will continue to work with its regulators to determine when its precautionary advice can be lifted. ... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago  ·