Yarra Valley Water issues warning for Merri Creek and Coburg Lake

Locals are being warned to stay away from Merri Creek and Coburg Lake near popular inner-city trails after a sewer spill.

Plastic garbage stuck on a bridge along the Merri Creek. Picture: Supplied.

Residents living around Merri Creek trail and Coburg Lake Reserve are being warned to stay away from the water after a sewer spill.

Water quality testing is being conducted after a sewer spill occurred at Bridges Ave in Coburg North, impacting the Merri Creek.

Caution signs has been put up near Merri Creek Trail and Coburg Lake urging the public not to swim, fish and take their pets into the water.

Sewer spillage at Merri Creek and Coburg Lake has been identified as authorities warn residents to keep their pets and themselves away from water.

“Sewer spill identified … as a precaution we recommend you and your pets avoid contact with the water and any fish,” the warning read.

Yarra Valley Water general manager Bridie Fennessy said record rainfall endured by Victorians in the past week caused the sewer network to overflow and sent high flows of stormwater into waterways.

“This rain event caused sewer overflows impacting Merri Creek and Coburg Lake. We’ve placed signs around Merri Creek and Coburg Lake to notify the public that the waterways have been impacted,” she said.

“Water testing is still underway and we expect to have results back on 12 January.”

Ms Fennessy advised the public to stay away from the creeks and lakes and to immediately wash themselves with clean water if they come into contact with the dirty water.

“Coming into contact with poor quality water can result in illness with gastro like symptoms. We also recommend pets avoid contact with impacted waterways,” she said.

It comes as record storms lashed Victoria also leading to flooding in the Merri Creek with plastic debris getting stuck in the bushes along the creek as floodwaters went down.

Plastic garbage stuck on a bridge along the Merri Creek. Photo: supplied

Photos taken on Tuesday show plastic garbage stuck on a bridge along the Merri Creek.

The EPA has advised against swimming at all waterways and beaches for 48 hours after a heavy rain, and for much longer in the event of a flood.

On Tuesday EPA Victoria’s chief environmental scientist Mark Taylor said there would be a major impact on water quality for recreational swimmers for days to come.
“Heavy rain has swept the state filling our rivers, creeks and lakes. As it flows, it picks up debris, natural and man-made, reducing water quality and increasing the risk from waterborne contaminants,” he said.

“From our floodwaters assessment work last year we know that all waters in conditions like these will have reduced water quality and people should avoid contact with affected waterways for at least 48 hours.

“Check the water and if it’s discoloured or smells badly and it’s been raining recently, then avoid swimming or other activities like kayaking and canoeing. And never enter flood waters.”

Merri-Bek council has been contacted for comment.