Treated wastewater released following extreme weather events

By Contributed

Jan 10, 2024

Essential: Goulburn Valley Water will release treated wastewater into local creeks as its storage is reaching capacity due to the recent floods. Photo: Faith Macale Photo by Faith Macale

Fully treated wastewater from Goulburn Valley Water’s (GVW) Seymour, Kilmore, Broadford, Nagambie and Mansfield wastewater management facilities will be released in the coming weeks.

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The wastewater storage lagoons at these sites are reaching capacity due to the extensive rainfall and flooding experienced over recent days.

Releases will occur as required at each system into Seymour’s Back Creek, Kilmore Creek, Sunday Creek Broadford, Wormangel Creek Nagambie, and Fords Creek Mansfield.

They are expected to be around 1 to 4 megalitres per day, depending on which waterway the release is occurring at, and will not contribute to any flooding events at downstream locations.

GVW’s wastewater and recycling coordinator Stuart Harris said discharging excess, fully treated wastewater from its storages helps to reduce any potential for uncontrolled overflows.

“Releases will be short-term, however (they) will continue until climatic conditions improve and irrigation can begin at the facilities,” Mr Harris said.

“The water being released has been fully treated and meets Class C standards.

“We’ve informed the EPA of these releases and will monitor for any unexpected impacts on the environment.”

Strict water quality monitoring processes remain in place to protect the health of local communities and environments.

If people have questions, they can call GVW’s 24/7 Customer Service Centre on 1800 454 500.