PARTIALLY treated and settled effluent is being pumped into the Molonglo River due to the heavy rain over recent days and significantly increased flow in the sewerage system.

Icon Water says the effluent is being discharged from the Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre wastewater treatment plant bypass dam.

“Some discharges of partially treated effluent may still occur over the coming days as we continue to process the inflow following the heavy rainfall across the Canberra region over the recent days,” the water authority says.  

“The majority of effluent discharged from the plant continues to be fully treated and disinfected. Stormwater from heavy rains dilutes effluent received at the plant and increases river height and flows. The proportion of partially treated effluent released into the river system represents less than one power cent of the current Murrumbidgee River flow. 
  
Icon Water says it 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.

It 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 says.  
  
It has notified the ACT and NSW Environment Protection Authorities, ACT and NSW Health, and nearby residents affected by the discharge.