Rio Tinto Weipa
Facebook post : 23 December 2020 ·
“You will be aware that water supply at the Weipa Airport was deemed non-potable three weeks ago and, as a precaution, water supply was turned off for human consumption to allow us to investigate the matter more thoroughly.
Water samples collected from the Weipa Airport are indicating slightly elevated levels of Per and Poly-fluoroalkyl (or commonly known as PFAS). A similar result has been recorded at our East Weipa Mine Centre.
This is a known contaminant in the local area and is routinely measured and tested for as part of our water monitoring program.
Our water monitoring program confirms the issue remains isolated to these two locations and drinking water remains safe and within National Drinking Water Quality Guidelines for the Weipa community.
We are taking a conservative, safety-focused approach and we are working in collaboration with the Department of Environment to continue to investigate the cause of slightly elevated levels at both locations.
Bottled water will continue to be available for passengers at the Weipa Airport. Water supply at both locations, Weipa Airport and East Weipa Mine Centre, is safe to use for all purposes (eg. washing hands, cars, hosing activities) except for drinking.
We thank you for your understanding regarding the use of bottled water while we continue to resolve the matter and we will update you with any changes”.
Weipa Airport Water Supply Scheme
The Airport water supply scheme was commissioned and became operational on 18 April 2017. The water for the airport reticulation is supplied to the Airport Precinct boundary via a water storage facility owned and operated by RT Weipa – Tailings and Water Department. The water storage facility is located on mining lease which is part of RTA Weipa’s site and outside of the Weipa town boundary.
The raw water was originally sourced from two shallow aquifer bores SA26 and SA09 licenced to RTA Weipa. Due to PFAS issues encountered in SA26 in late 2020, SA26 has been disconnected from the supply. The primary bore is now SA09. The bore water is fed to an elevated potable tank which supplies the airport precinct, its surrounding businesses and the motocross tracks.
Weipa Town Authority Water Quality Management Plan November 2024