Discharge of effluent update

Sunday 04 March 2012

This advice updates ActewAGL’s previous advice issued 1 March 2012.
ActewAGL advises that due to heavy rainfall over the past four days infiltrating the sewer pipe system, the treatment plant at Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre continues to discharge an amount of partially treated and untreated effluent into the Molonglo River.

ActewAGL advises all residents on the Murrumbidgee River, downstream from the junction of the Molonglo River and above Burrinjuck Reservoir, and the general public not to draw water from the above section of the Murrumbidgee River for either potable (drinking or food preparation) or non-potable domestic purposes for the next 72 hours, due to potentially increased health risks resulting from the partially treated and untreated effluent.  We also advise against swimming and other water contact sports in the Murrumbidgee River over this period.

Please note that there is no risk to the ACT water supply.

ActewAGL has notified the Environment Protection Authority and ACT Health.

For further information please call ActewAGL’s faults and emergencies line on 13 11 93.

For further media information only:
Rebecca Mitchell
ActewAGL
Mobile: 0414 515 359