PARTIALLY treated effluent is being discharged into the Molonglo River as a result of heavy rain over recent days.

Icon Water says the Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre wastewater treatment plant bypass dam is discharging partially treated and settled effluent following  a significantly increased flow in the sewerage system and, with more rain forecast, further discharges of partially treated effluent may still occur over coming days.

In a media statement Icon Water says: “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 one 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 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.” 

The water company says 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.