KARRATHA- Today, the towns of Dampier, Roebourne and Cape Lambert ran out of water, following a similar event in Wickham nearly a month ago. A statement from the Premier on Sunday confirmed that "water reserves in the Karratha area are close to being empty", and water restrictions on Perth, restricting gardening to 1 day a week, as well as organising emergency water supplies and an upcoming repair of boreholes in the water supply. Lord Mayor of Perth Basil Zempilas labeled these restrictions "excessive and draconian", while local mayor of Karratha Peter Long labeled them "desperately needed". In regards to a more permanent fix, the Premier has promised that will be coming in the latest budget.

Rio Tinto, which manages sections of the water supply scheme, has stated that a desalination plant would be the best solution. A representative for the company was quoted as saying that "if the government is willing to come to the table with us, and propose a deal that doesn't involve an end to our funding, I think we'd be more than willing to contribute to a desalination plan to bring back water for the West Pilbara", while adding that "of course we're not going to pay for government infrastructure if they go ahead with this dangerous plan to cut off subsidies".

Meanwhile, the situation in the West Pilbara remains extremely precarious. It seems possible that before the end of summer, Karratha and the economy that relies on it may have to have water trucked in from afar -- and even when rainfall does come, the systemic issues that lie will need to be addressed by the government.