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

With more rainfall forecast, further discharges of effluent may occur this week. Icon Water expects to process increased inflows into the treatment plant following heavy rainfall across the ACT.

Most 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 per cent 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 drinking or food preparation or domestic or stock watering.

Icon Water also advises against swimming and other bodily contact water sports in this section of the Murrumbidgee River. 

There is no risk to the ACT water supply, as the effluent is released downstream of Icon’s 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, call Icon Water’s faults and emergencies line on 02 6248 3111.

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