Media Release issued: 1 December 2022
Update: The Cann River recycled water release ceased on 19 December.
Due to ongoing extreme wet weather conditions, the Cann River wastewater treatment lagoons have reached capacity and recycled water will soon be released into Cann River.
This follows the same extreme weather conditions that required a controlled release in April this year.
The wettest October on record in Victoria (according to the Bureau of Meteorology) has resulted in increased wastewater which once treated has then continued to fill our recycled water storage facilities.
This water is normally recycled by irrigating pasture, however the high rainfall has flooded local paddocks making it impossible to irrigate by normal means.
East Gippsland Water Executive Manager Service Delivery Neville Pearce said the release would be downstream from the Cann River township.
“We will be slowly releasing this recycled water into the river, downstream of where any activity usually takes place at Cann River,” he said.
“This is recycled water, not sewerage, and it will dilute further once it mixes into the river itself.
“The quality and flow of the recycled water will be closely monitored to ensure no adverse environmental impact.”
Relevant agencies have been notified and signage has been erected in the immediate area.
For more information, please contact East Gippsland Water on 1800 671 841.
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