NSW Health has reviewed the sampling data for the Georges River above Liverpool Weir and notes that bacteria have now returned to levels existing before the pump malfunction and resulting wastewater overflow incident at Glenfield Wastewater Treatment Plant on 22 November 2013.
These bacterial levels, however, are variable and do not at all times meet the Australian Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water, which usually apply for contact activities, such as swimming. Also, like any other river, the Georges River can be affected by stormwater runoff and snags.
Customers should be aware of this and assess for themselves the risks of using this section of the River.
Sydney Water conducted extensive testing of the Georges River following the incident at Glenfield Wastewater Treatment Plant. We are pleased there is no longer signs of contamination from this event and apologise to customers for any inconvenience.
Over time, Sydney Water has invested around $248 million increasing system capacity in the Georges River area to improve water quality.
