Gippsland › Latest news › East Gippsland Water
East Gippsland Water prepares controlled release of recycled water at Newmerella on 2 November 2022
Ongoing wet conditions have continued to impact wastewater storages, with East Gippsland Water preparing for a necessary controlled release of recycled water at Newmerella - commencing on Wednesday, 2 November.
Significant rainfall through winter has resulted in the organisation's on-site recycled water storages reaching capacity, with the Bureau of Meteorology also declaring our current La Nina status for the third consecutive year.About 80 megalitres of treated wastewater currently held on the Newmerella wastewater treatment site will be slowly released in a controlled manner through 3km of adjacent farmland, prior to undergoing significant dilution in Lake Corringle into the Snowy River and exiting at the Marlo estuary.
Release of controlled wastewater in Newmerella is on 2 November 2022
Preventing uncontrolled overflow
This is the first controlled release that has ever needed to be undertaken from the Newmerella site. East Gippsland Water's Executive Manager Service Delivery, Neville Pearce, said after years of drought, the wet conditions were welcome news for the organisation's water supply, however they created problems for the wastewater system.
"While consistent rain filling up our water storages is welcome news for water supply, in preparation for the coming warmer months, the opposite is true when it comes to wastewater. The recycled water water is treated to a standard ordinarily used to irrigate pasture in Orbost."
"However, the past 18 months of exceptionally wet weather has meant irrigation has been impossible due to already saturated ground. The excess water is too much for our wastewater storages, with releases needed to prevent uncontrolled overflow into the environment." Mr Pearce said.
Notifying the residents
Mr Pearce said there had been misconceptions around the quality of the water released. "The water has already been through a considerable treatment process, it's not raw wastewater. Our staff will continually monitor and test the water during the release to ensure a consistent quality to prevent environmental impacts." he said.
East Gippsland Water is currently notifying adjacent residents, stakeholders and agencies about the imminent release and, as a precaution, warning signage is being erected in the immediate area. For further information, please contact East Gippsland Water on 1800 671 841.
Pictures from East Gippsland Water Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Darren Chester promotes Mobile Service Centres that offer essential government services like Centrelink and Medicare across Gippsland
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Gippsland Water adds customer care pop-ups for in-person payment support in Sale, Drouin, Warragul for July and Moe in August 2024
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Latrobe River Bridge at Tyers had completion delayed to August 2024 frustrating residents with safety concerns
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Baw Baw Shire attends 2024 Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly in Canberra advocating peri urban areas
Enjoy free chicken parma while listening to inspiring story of Warren Davies South Gippsland Farmer on 22 July 2024 at Mirboo North Hotel
Join Latrobe City Council and Planet Ark for National Tree Day 2024 at W H Burrage Reserve in Newborough on 28 July 2024
Latrobe City Council requests Planning Panel for Amendment C144 for Traralgon West Precinct on 9 September 2024
Latrobe Valley clubs excelled at 2024 Community Clubs Victoria awards with Morwell and Moe clubs earning top honours
Warragul Leisure Centre $11M expansion of community sports facilities opens 28 July 2024