11 August 2020

Partially treated effluent discharged into Molonglo River

| Michael Weaver
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Molonglo River at Oaks Estate

Onlookers check flooding on the Molonglo River at Oaks Estate on Sunday (9 August). Photo: Michael Weaver.

Icon Water was forced to release a small amount of partially treated effluent into the Molonglo River on Sunday as heavy rain infiltrated the sewerage system.

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“The Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre treatment plant has discharged a small amount of partially treated effluent into the Molonglo River,” an Icon Water spokesperson said today (10 August).

“Icon Water advises residents on the section of the Murrumbidgee River, from the junction of the Molonglo River and above Burrinjuck Reservoir, not to draw water from the river for either potable (drinking or food preparation) or non-potable (domestic or stock watering) purposes for the next 48 hours.

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

“The majority of the flow that will be discharged will continue to be fully treated and fully disinfected, with a small portion of partially treated effluent that is not fully disinfected.”

READ ALSO Kayaker dies in raging river near Point Hut

Icon Water said there is no risk to the ACT water supply and residents can continue to use their taps and drink tap water as usual.

Icon Water has notified both the ACT and NSW Environment Protection Authorities (EPAs), ACT Health and residents who may be affected by the discharge.

Sewage is treated and released into the Molonglo River. It then flows into the Murrumbidgee River and drains into the Murray-Darling Basin river system, ultimately discharging into the ocean south of Adelaide.

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