Illegal tyre dumping risks drinking water catchment

“The tyres were discovered by a NSW Rural Fire Service crew preparing to conduct a hazard reduction burn on our behalf,” WaterNSW General Manager Regional Operations Sydney Brian Mayhew, said.

“Dumped tyres, if burnt, could have a significant impact on water quality by contaminating our drinking water supply, while also putting staff and the public at risk from toxic smoke.”

Fines of up to $44,000 apply for illegal dumping in the Special Areas that protect the drinking water catchment for the more than 5 million people of Greater Sydney, including the Illawarra, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven regions.

The illegal tyre dumping occurred in the Metropolitan Special Area which protects the water catchments of Cataract, Cordeaux, Avon and Nepean dams which together supply up to 20% of Greater Sydney’s drinking water.

The illegal dumping has been reported to authorities who are investigating. Most of the Special Areas are off-limits to the public, with warning signs, regular patrols and hidden cameras to protect these sensitive areas critical to the supply of safe and healthy water.

“If you see a hazard or an incident including illegal dumping at any WaterNSW site or in a Special Area, please let us know by calling our incident reporting line on 1800 061 069,” Mr Mayhew said.

WaterNSW manages the Special Areas to reduce risks to water quality, protect and prevent the environmental degradation, and conserve cultural values.

The Metropolitan Special Area covers 90,239 hectares on the Woronora Plateau south of Sydney.