A winter storage is a dam or large lagoon used to store treated recycled wastewater, mainly during the wetter winter months.

At wastewater treatment plants like Tallangatta, treated recycled water is usually reused for irrigation of nearby crops or pastures using large centre-pivot irrigators during the warmer summer months.

During winter, demand for reuse is lower and rainfall is higher, so treated water is stored safely in a winter storage rather than being reused straight away.

The release is needed to lower water levels so maintenance work on the winter storage dam wall can be carried out safely.

An initial discharge period of up to two weeks is planned, followed by short intermittent discharges of one to two days per week while maintenance works continue.

Yes. The water being released is Class C treated recycled water. It poses low risk to the environment and human health. The discharge water contains a small concentration of blue‑green algae, and contact should be avoided.

Yes. Water quality is monitored during the discharge, in line with EPA requirements.

An initial discharge of 20 million litres, with an estimated 50 million litres in total across the next 3-4 months.

The recycled water will be discharged into the Washaway Creek, which then enters the Mitta Mitta River and then into Lake Hume.

No, the recycled water enters Lake Hume well below the town’s offtake for drinking water supplies.

The overall maintenance program is expected to take approximately three months.

North East Water is working closely with relevant stakeholders, including EPA Victoria, EPA NSW, North East Catchment Management Authority, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Goulburn Murray Water, WaterNSW and Towong Shire Council.

There are not expected to be any odour issues caused by the discharge. If you experience odours from the WWTP please notify North East Water on 1300 361 622.

Updates will be provided if there is a significant change to the works, discharge timing or duration.