Controlled discharges from ETP to continue

With Victoria’s current flooding emergency Melbourne Water is advising residents in the southeast of Melbourne of a continued release of treated wastewater from the Eastern Treatment Plant.

Carrum Beach and a section of Kananook Creek will be partially closed to the public, to avoid impact on human health.

This will not affect Melbourne’s drinking water supply and the sewerage system is still operational.

Melbourne Water Managing Director Nerina Di Lorenzo said Melbourne Water needed to take this step to avoid uncontrolled discharges from the plant because it was nearing capacity due to recent heavy rainfall.

“The discharge will relieve the plant’s capacity and help minimise uncontrolled discharges and flooding that could occur with further rainfall forecast,” Dr Di Lorenzo said.

“If these measures aren’t taken, there’s a risk of overcapacity from any future rain events, which could lead to uncontrolled treated wastewater spills to local waterways.

“Public health and safety are our priority, and while the work of the Eastern Treatment Plant is essential to our sewerage system and our way of life in Melbourne, it’s important to note that these treated wastewater measures do not impact drinking water in any way.”

The treated wastewater will be released into Taylors Drain, which flows into Eel Race Drain and then to a small section of Kananook Creek and into Port Phillip Bay at Carrum Beach.

Dr Di Lorenzo said as per normal procedure, signage had been placed along walking trails beside any impacted waterways, as well as at Carrum Beach to advise people and their pets to avoid contact with the water.

“We’ve also directly notified the local community by distributing community bulletins and social media updates,” Dr Di Lorenzo said.

As part of its regular wastewater management, Melbourne Water is also currently discharging treated wastewater at Boag Rocks (Gunnamatta Beach) from the Eastern Treatment Plan. During this period, Boag Rocks (Gunnamatta Beach) and the local surrounding areas are not suitable for swimming, fishing or pets until the situation returns to normal.

Melbourne Water has notified and will work closely with the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) during this discharge.

Melbourne Water will continue to monitor water quality at Taylors Drain, which is downstream from ETP, Kananook Creek and some sections in the bay to ensure we protect the health of our communities and the environment. 

We are committed to minimising impacts on the environment and human health from the release of water to streams.  

Melbourne Water will continue to keep the community informed.