A break at Hawkesbury City Council’s pump station at South Creek has caused sewage to seep into the Hawkesbury River.

Council has just advised swimming and fishing are currently prohibited between South Creek at the Windsor Boat Ramp and Windsor Beach at Macquarie Park.

Signage is being currently erected to advise river users with staff working to fix the break and determine the extent of the contamination in the river.

UPDATE: 5pm 18 January:

Daily testing of water is taking place for at least the next six weeks according to Council, which is working with the NSW EPA to determine the environmental impact caused by the spillage and limit its effects.

The damaged pump station has been isolated and there is no further risk of a spill. Work will begin shortly to repair the station.

Swimming and fishing are currently prohibited between South Creek at the Windsor Boat Ramp and Windsor Beach at Macquarie Park. Signage has been erected at Macquarie Park and Governor Phillip Park to advise river users.

UPDATE: 25 January:

Water samples have been taken daily since the leak was detected on Monday, 17 January, with the first of these results expected to be received shortly.

The damaged rising main has been isolated and there is no further risk of a spill to the environment. Work will begin shortly to repair the main.

Council is sending a letter update to residents living near the affected section of South Creek. It is recommended that there is no swimming and fishing in the area.

UPDATE: 28 January:

Council has lifted the ban on swimming at Windsor Beach at Macquarie Park following “pleasing” water test results.

Repairs to the damaged main will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks, weather permitting.

#hawkesburyriver #sewagespill #southcreek #windsor #noswimming #contamination #EPA