Discharge of partially treated effluent

Icon Water advises that due to the heavy rain over recent days and significantly increased flow in the sewerage system, the Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre wastewater treatment plant bypass dam is discharging partially treated and settled effluent into the Molonglo River.

With more rainfall forecast, further discharges of partially treated effluent may still occur over the coming days. We expect to process increased inflows into the treatment plant following heavy rainfall across the Canberra region.

The majority of effluent discharged from the plant continues to be fully treated and disinfected. The large volume of stormwater from heavy rains significantly dilutes effluent inflows received at the treatment plant. The proportion of partially treated effluent discharging into the river system represents less than 1% of the Murrumbidgee River flow.

Icon Water recommends that residents on the section of the Murrumbidgee River from the junction of the Molonglo River and above Burrinjuck Reservoir, avoid drawing water from the river for either potable (drinking or food preparation) or non-potable (domestic or stock watering) purposes for the coming days. Icon Water also advises against swimming and other bodily contact water sports in this section of the Murrumbidgee River over this period.  
 
There is no risk to the ACT water supply as the effluent is released downstream of our water sources. ACT residents can continue to use their taps and drinking water as usual.  
 
Icon Water has notified the ACT and NSW Environment Protection Authorities (EPAs), ACT and NSW Health, and nearby residents affected by the discharge.  
 
For further information, please call Icon Water’s faults and emergencies line on 02 6248 3111.

For updates, please go to iconwater.com.au/mediareleases or twitter.com/iconwater.