Who should I contact to report a pollution incident in Perth?

Start with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation report page for pollution incidents and notify City of Perth environmental health or by-law enforcement if local infrastructure or council-managed space is involved.

Will reporting protect me from liability?

Reporting an incident does not automatically remove liability; it informs enforcement and can demonstrate cooperation, which may be considered in enforcement decisions.

How quickly should I act?

Report immediately for any release that threatens waterways, public health or safety and preserve evidence such as photos, samples and witness details.

Report Soil & Water Pollution - Perth Bylaws

Environmental Protection Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026

Perth, Western Australia residents and businesses must report soil or water pollution promptly to the agencies responsible for environmental protection and local bylaw compliance. This guide explains who enforces pollution rules in Perth, how to report incidents, likely outcomes and immediate steps to protect health and evidence. It covers enforcement roles for the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and City of Perth by-law or environmental health teams, how to make a formal complaint, and practical tips for evidence and follow up.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for pollution of soil or water in Perth is primarily a state responsibility under Western Australian environmental law, with on-the-ground complaint handling often coordinated through the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation Report pollution^[1]. Local government (City of Perth) enforcement may apply where local bylaws, stormwater controls or environmental health powers are engaged; controlling state legislation includes the Environment Protection Act and related instruments Western Australian legislation^[2].

Report any release that risks waterways, drinking water or public health immediately.

Specific fine amounts and penalty units for pollution offences are not specified on the cited pages for general public guidance and will depend on the exact offence, instrument and whether the case proceeds to court; see the cited state pages for statutory details and current penalty schedules.

Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page; amounts depend on the statutory offence and enforcement decision.
Escalation: first offence, repeat or continuing offences are dealt with according to enforcement guidelines and may include increased penalties or prosecutorial action (not specified on the cited page).
Non-monetary sanctions: clean-up orders, remediation directions, seizure of materials, works orders and court injunctions are available to enforcement agencies.
Enforcers and complaint pathways: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and City of Perth Environmental Health/By-law Enforcement handle reports; use the state report page or your council complaint portal for initial reports.^[1]
Appeals and review: appeal routes depend on the specific order or penalty and are set out in the controlling legislation or statutory notices; time limits for appeals are set in the relevant instrument and are not specified on the cited page.

Keep photos, timestamps and witness details to strengthen any complaint or enforcement action.

Applications & Forms

The state report page provides guidance on how to report an incident; a formal investigation or notice may follow and any required remediation forms or notices will be issued by the enforcing authority. A general public incident-report form is not explicitly published on the cited pages for download, and specific application or remediation form names and fees are not specified on the cited pages.

Reporting method: see the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation report page for online or contact options.^[1]
Remediation notices or management plans: issued by the enforcement agency when required; fees or lodgement steps are case-specific and not specified on the cited page.

Common Violations

Unauthorised discharge of sediment, slurry or contaminated water to drains or waterways.
Improper site works causing erosion or contaminated soil movement.
Storage or disposal of hazardous materials leading to soil or groundwater contamination.
Failure to follow approved management or remediation directions.

FAQ

Who should I contact to report a pollution incident in Perth?: Start with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation report page for pollution incidents and notify City of Perth environmental health or by-law enforcement if local infrastructure or council-managed space is involved.^[1]^[2]
Will reporting protect me from liability?: Reporting an incident does not automatically remove liability; it informs enforcement and can demonstrate cooperation, which may be considered in enforcement decisions.
How quickly should I act?: Report immediately for any release that threatens waterways, public health or safety and preserve evidence such as photos, samples and witness details.

How-To

Stop ongoing harm if it is safe to do so and secure the site to prevent further release to drains or waterways.
Report the incident via the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation report page or your council complaint portal and provide date, time, location and description.^[1]
Collect evidence: photos, videos, sample locations, witness names and any transport or product details.
Follow instructions from the enforcing agency; if issued, comply with clean-up or remediation notices promptly.
If you receive a notice or penalty, check the cited legislation or enforcement notice for appeal steps and time limits.

Key Takeaways

Report pollution quickly to state and local authorities to protect health and evidence.
Keep clear records: photos, times and witness details improve enforcement outcomes.