Tank colours to stay until turtle season

In the past week or so, Port Hedland residents may have found themselves wondering why the town's landmark water tower was illuminated in hues of purple, pink and green.

Well, the colours will remain until the start of the next turtle season around October.

Just before Easter, the Water Corporation turned on the lights that illuminate the water tower that sits above McGregor Street in Port Hedland.

It was the first time the lights have been on since cyclone Rusty made landfall in February 2013 and damaged the original white lights in the process.

A Water Corporation spokeswoman said the LED colour-changing lights were installed at the Port Hedland water storage tank in November last year.

She said the lights changed colour from pink to purple to green throughout the evening.

"Community feedback about the lights has been positive and we are pleased they contribute to making Port Hedland a vibrant, liveable community," she said.

As the tank is located adjacent to Cemetery Beach, a nesting area for flatback turtles, the lights will be turned off during the nesting season from October to April.

Turtles can become disorientated by artificial light shining on the beach and in the water when they are attempting to nest.

Port Hedland resident Hans D Dahl agreed with the positive sentiment, describing the colourful spectacle as "gorgeous".

Mr Dahl said he felt the tower was a "real landmark now".

"It looks magnificent; I first saw it when I came back from taking photos of the blood moon (earlier this month)," he said.

"I took some photos and since then I have returned and taken more.

"I appreciate and commend the progress that has been made in an effort to tidy up Port Hedland and South Hedland.

"We have been here for more than two years now and enjoyed (watching) the progress."