For the past six months a Beckenham resident, who wishes to remain anonymous for personal reasons, said the drain behind his home has a putrid smell coming from it.
He said the Woodlupine Brook drain smelled like sewage and was concerned for the residents in the area.
“We have a park nearby,” he said.
“There are kids about and families out as well but the smell is disgusting.”
The Beckenham man said the drain used to be clear and beautiful but for the past few months has turned into a murky dark brown with a revolting smell.
“I have no idea what it is,” he said.
“I’ve contacted a number of organisations but no one seems to know what is going on and no one seems to be interested in fixing the issue.”
The Beckenham man said he had contacted the City of Gosnells as the drain is near Mills Park but did not receive a satisfactory response.
City of Gosnells Acting Chief Executive Officer Grant Bradbrook said the city was aware of an algal bloom upstream of Woodlupine Brook in Beckenham in the drainage catchment outside of its jurisdiction.
“It is believed this has also resulted in a fish kill and the odour is that of rotting vegetation and fish.”
Mr Bradbrook said the Water Corporation was managing the issue.
Water Corporation Perth regional manager Garth Walter said the drain at the rear of the Beckenham man’s house received water from a wetland and other interconnected drains in the area.
“Many drains contain elevated concentrations of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, generally from fertilizers, degradation of soil organic matter, run-off from roads, roofs and industry,” Mr Walter said.
“These nutrients encourage algal blooms and eventually collapse, then decompose which can cause odours.”
Mr Walter said the Water Corporation was working with the Department of Environment Regulation, City of Gosnells, City of Canning and Friends of Queens Park Bushland to monitor the drainage system in the area, and support projects that educate the community on the impacts of nitrogen and phosphorus.
“Water Corporation maintains arterial drainage systems that store and convey stormwater to prevent flooding and damage to infrastructure and property,” he said.
“Water Corporation is not the agency accountable for managing the quality of water that enters its drains.”
