Protecting the drinking water catchment from illegal dumping

WaterNSW is asking the local community to be on the lookout for illegal dumping in the drinking water catchment after about 2000 tyres were found at the bottom of a steep embankment off Picton Road near Cataract Dam.

“The tyres were dumped in an area earmarked for a hazard reduction burn by the NSW Rural Fire Service on our behalf,” WaterNSW General Manager Regional Operations Sydney, Brian Mayhew, said.

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.

Picton Road connects south-west Sydney with Wollongong and the Illawarra, running south-east from Wilton to North Wollongong.

Cataract Dam and its catchment is on the north side of Picton Road while Cordeaux Dam lies to the south.

“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,” Mr Mayhew said.

“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.”

The illegal tyre dumping has been reported to authorities who are investigating.