Boaters warned to avoid Georges River
Sewage spill threatens health and environmentWith the weekend approaching, people are reminded to avoid boating on the Georges River after a recent incident which resulted in a large quantity of diluted but untreated waste water entering the river.
NSW Health is advising people to avoid all contact with the Georges River from Macquarie Fields to Botany Bay until at least Saturday.
The alert follows an overflow from Sydney Water’s Glenfield Wastewater Treatment Plant when a valve failed during heavy rain last weekend.
About 150 mega litres of highly diluted but untreated wastewater was released between Friday night and Sunday night. The overflow stopped on Sunday night.
All boating activities, fishing and swimming should be avoided until the all clear is provided by authorities.
NSW Health advises contact with the river water could lead to gut and skin infections. People who come into contact with water from the river should wash with tap water and seek medical advice about any open wounds which may have been exposed.
Drinking water is not affected.
In a statement, Sydney Water said that it is "not expecting any long-term impacts on marine and aquatic life".
For more information go to: http://www.sydneywater.com.au/SW/Whatsthelatest/SWP_CDF_DD_053980 and http://www.sydneywaternews.com.au/2013/11/26/facts-on-georges-river/
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