SA Water

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (6 December 2016).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change): I am advised the internal sewer overflow in question was first reported at 9:40am on 18 November at 24 Edith Street, Gawler East.

Due to the nature of the overflow, SA Water provided a night's emergency accommodation as the property owners' insurance company would provide additional housing after this date, as part of their home and contents insurance policy. A Coles/Myer voucher was also given to the property owners to assist with immediate needs such as food etc. SA Water advised the customers if they had any other issues to contact them at any time to assist.

I am advised SA Water spoke with the customers over the following days and provided various accommodation options that would be suitable to house their whole family while repairs were undertaken. Pet boarding options were also provided to the customers to house their pets with special needs.

I am advised that the drainage system within the bounds of the customer's property did not have a compliant overflow relief gully, as required by plumbing standards, which may have contributed to the overflow. As a gesture of goodwill, SA Water provided the property owners with three floor waste grate valves which, once installed, will reduce the likelihood and seriousness of internal flooding occurring in the future.

I am advised that SA Water offered to reimburse any out of pocket expenses not covered by their insurance policy.

SA Water will continue to contact this customer to ensure they are being supported through this process and to provide any further assistance necessary.