Treated recycled water released at Benalla
13 August 2026
North East Water has started a temporary release of fully treated recycled water from the Benalla wastewater treatment plant into the Broken River.
Recycled water from the treatment plant is normally stored in holding lagoons before being used to irrigate nearby land. However, recent wet weather has saturated the irrigation areas, preventing the water from being used and causing the lagoons to reach capacity.
The release is needed to ensure that our lagoons do not overflow and is expected to continue for several weeks until storages return to normal operating levels.
The recycled water has undergone full treatment and meets strict environmental requirements. Water quality will be monitored throughout the discharge period.
North East Water is working closely with relevant stakeholders during this process, including EPA Victoria, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, North East Catchment Management Authority, Goulburn-Murray Water and Benalla Rural City.