In 2012, a tertiary treatment plant was commissioned at ETP to improve discharge quality, by treating all incoming water to Class A standard. This upgrade allowed ETP to regain its status as one of the most advanced treatment plants in the world.

Information for beach users

We have placed signage at the entrance of the access track to Boag Rocks, and at the ocean outfall point. The signs share the following information:

  • Treated water discharge

    Treated water is discharged at Boag Rocks under licence from the EPA (Corporate Licence No. OL000065833)

  • Mixing zone

    Extends: 1.7km west to 2.3km east of the outfall; 900m offshore for Total Dissolved Solids; a radius of 200m for toxicants and 600m for nutrients.

  • Health and safety

    It is recommended you do not swim, surf, fish or consume aquatic foods collected within a 200m radius of the discharge point.

Monitoring releases into the ocean

Yellow research buoy floating in the ocean

We gather data from a research buoy stationed at the recycled water outfall zone. It monitors:

  • ocean current
  • wind speed
  • temperature
  • salinity.

The buoy is fitted with an automatic identification system, GPS monitoring device and a flashing light at night to help vessels safely navigate around the zone.

This world-class technology helps researchers better understand and plan how to manage recycled water while maintaining the biodiversity of our marine environment.