News
Bruce’s Creek
Barwon Water has received permission from the Environment Protection Authority to discharge recycled water - not ‘effluent’ - into the Barwon River via Bruce’s Creek. This water is classified Class C recycled water under EPA guidelines and is suitable for irrigating sporting fields, including golf courses, public open space and certain crops.
An advisory notice published in a local newspaper stated that a temporary licence to discharge had been issued and why. Contrary to the article, it was not ‘ambiguous’.
Very high rainfall during the normal summer irrigation season coupled with prolonged wet conditions has meant that the nearby recycled water holding lagoons are uncharacteristically high for this time of the year.
The near-saturated soil means that discharge to land is not possible at this stage. Land capability studies have demonstrated there are no inherent soil characteristics that prevent irrigation with Class C water.
Barwon Water made efforts to contact the author of the article on the day his first contact was received.
Regarding the yellow gum woodland, this is protected for nature conservation values in perpetuity under a Conservation Covenant between Barwon Water and the Trust for Nature.
Transporting excess recycled water by road to the Geelong wastewater network, as suggested, is not a viable proposition and would require an exceptionally high level of heavy vehicle movements from the plant, through town and region.
I would encourage any members of the public seeking information on this matter to contact Barwon Water directly on 1300 656 007.
Joe Adamski
General Manager
Strategy & Technology Barwon Water
