The Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre wastewater treatment plant discharged partially treated effluent into the Molonglo River overnight on Saturday due to the heavy rain over Friday and Saturday and increased flow in the sewerage system, Icon Water advised yesterday. 

In a statement, Icon Water said some discharges of partially treated effluent may still occur over the coming days as they continue to process the inflow following the rainfall across the Canberra region over the last few days.
 
The statement advised that the majority of effluent discharged from the plant continues to be fully treated and disinfected, and after heavy rains, influent received at the plant is heavily diluted by stormwater. The proportion of partially treated effluent in relation to flows within the river system represents around 0.2 per cent of the Murrumbidgee River flow.

Icon Water recommended 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 advised against swimming and other bodily contact water sports in this section of Murrumbidgee River over this period.

The statement said “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 close by 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 

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