1 July 2026
Goulburn Valley Water will release fully treated recycled water from its Yea and Broadford Wastewater Management Facilities into the Yea River and Sunday Creek respectively over the coming weeks.
The Yea Wastewater Management Facility is nearing capacity. Irrigation infrastructure upgrades at GVW’s Yea farm delayed the start of irrigation at the site, meaning not all available recycled water could be used during the season.
With onsite storages at the Yea Wastewater Management Facility nearing capacity, a controlled release of 0.5-1 megalitre per day of EPA Class C recycled water will be released into the Yea River.
The release began in late June 2026 and is expected to continue until October 2026.
The Broadford Wastewater Management Facility is nearing capacity. Recycled water is usually used for irrigation on GVW’s Broadford farm, but recent tree removal works in the irrigation area, undertaken to allow major upgrades that will meet future reuse requirements, meant not all available recycled water could be used.
Throughout this period, recycled water use continued as normal on the pastured areas of the farm.
With onsite storages at the Broadford Wastewater Management Facility nearing capacity, a controlled release of 2-4 megalitres per day of EPA Class C recycled water will be released into Sunday Creek.
The release is expected to begin early July 2026 and continue until October 2026.
GVW’s Wastewater and Recycling Coordinator, Stuart Harris, said the 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.
GVW has notified the EPA of the releases and will work closely with them to monitor for any potential environmental impacts.
For more information, contact GVW’s 24/7 Customer Service Centre on 1800 454 500.