27 August, 2026
Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) will release fully treated recycled water from its Seymour and Tongala wastewater management facilities over the coming weeks, following recent high rainfall.
GVW has informed the EPA of the releases and will work closely with them to monitor for any potential environmental impacts.
Onsite recycled water storages at both facilities are nearing capacity after wet conditions limited opportunities to use recycled water for irrigation.
Rainfall in March limited the amount of recycled water that could be used towards the end of the previous irrigation season, while high rainfall throughout June, July and August has continued to increase storage levels ahead of the upcoming irrigation season.
At Seymour, a controlled release of 2–4 megalitres per day of EPA Class C recycled water will be released into Back Creek, which flows into the Goulburn River.
The Seymour release is expected to begin in early September 2026 and continue until October 2026.
At Tongala, a controlled release of 4–6 megalitres per day of EPA Class C recycled water will be released into the Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) Main Drain, part of the Mosquito Depression drainage system which flows into the Deakin Drain.
The Tongala release is expected to begin in late August 2026 and continue until October 2026.
GVW’s Wastewater Quality Coordinator Stuart Harris said these controlled releases will prevent uncontrolled overflows and protect critical infrastructure.
“The releases will continue until lagoon levels are returned to a safe and manageable level.”
The water being released has undergone full treatment and meets EPA Class C recycled water standards.
For more information, contact GVW’s 24/7 Customer Service Centre on 1800 454 500.