A leaking underground sewage pipe in Sydney has raised concerns of a potential spill into Sydney Harbour, prompting authorities to begin emergency repair work. The crack, located about eight metres beneath the Pier Street ramp at Darling Harbour, was detected several weeks ago.
Sydney Water assured the public that the leak is currently contained and stable, but warned that the pipe could still fail. As a precaution, 24/7 emergency works are underway in Ultimo, Glebe and Pyrmont, including the construction of a wastewater pumping station in Wentworth Park to redirect sewage away from the damaged pipe.
Water Minister Rose Jackson said the urgent works are essential to prevent the worst-case scenario of sewage entering Sydney Harbour. She emphasised the importance of protecting the harbour’s environment, describing it as “a pristine place” that must be safeguarded.
Crews are still assessing the size of the crack and determining the cause of the leak. Jackson noted that the 100-year-old infrastructure has contributed to the complexity of the problem. The sewage is expected to be partially diverted by December 19 and fully diverted by January, allowing permanent repairs to commence.
Residents in nearby areas have been warned of noise, traffic disruptions and possible road closures due to the construction. Jackson apologised for the inconvenience, acknowledging the difficult timing but stressing the necessity of the works to prevent a more serious failure.
Once the pipe is fully isolated, teams will begin long-term repairs, which may take several months to complete. Sydney Water is monitoring water quality and coordinating with environmental regulators to ensure there is no threat to public health or the environment.
The utility is also working with the council, local residents and businesses to reduce the impact of construction, and confirmed that waste services continue to operate normally.
