Planned wastewater discharge to Taylors Drain and Kananook Creek

Update on controlled discharge from ETP

Following ongoing high rainfall, Melbourne Water is continuing to actively manage high water levels across our network. The Eastern Treatment Plant is experiencing increased water levels and has not been able to treat sewage to its normal standard. If onsite storage basins reach capacity, there is risk of flooding in the surrounding area.

What are we doing?

Melbourne Water is planning a controlled discharge of treated wastewater from the Eastern Treatment Plant to the following locations:

• Taylors Drain, Patterson Lakes
• Kananook Creek, Patterson Lakes
• Carrum Beach, Carrum.

The controlled discharge will relieve the plant's capacity and help minimise further discharges that could occur with further rainfall that has been forecast.

With more heavy rain expected, there is a risk of over capacity if these measures aren't implemented. This could lead to uncontrolled treated wastewater spills into local waterways and the surrounding area. 

This procedure is being carried out in accordance with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) requirements.

What does this mean for me?

The water quality at the northern end of Kananook Creek and surrounds may not be suitable for recreational activity or pets until further notice.

Melbourne Water is placing signs alerting surrounding residents and community members to avoid contact with the water. We've also directly notified the local community with print bulletin and social media updates.

Melbourne Water is committed to public health and will continue to manage and monitor the water quality at Eastern Treatment Plant.

What does this mean for the health of our rivers and creeks?

The wastewater may affect fish in the northern end of Kananook Creek. During this time, please do not fish or swim at Kananook Creek until advised to do so. Melbourne Water will continue to monitor the area and work closely with the EPA.

Contact us

For more information, call 131 722. 

• Community Bulletin - ETP discharge (November 2022) PDF|416.36 KB