THE NSW Environment Protection Authority is investigating a fluoride discharge into Slaughterhouse Creek and the Williams River from the Dungog water treatment plant in Dungog.

THE NSW Environment Protection Authority is investigating a fluoride discharge into Slaughterhouse Creek and the Williams River from the Dungog water treatment plant in Dungog.

EPA Hunter manager Adam Gilligan said the authority was alerted to the discharge, which occurred on Tuesday, by Hunter Water.

“The EPA has begun an immediate investigation into the circumstances leading up to the discharge and has taken a number of water samples,’’ he said.

“The EPA understands that Hunter Water has contacted all downstream landholders who might be using the Slaughterhouse Creek to water stock or agriculture and alerted them to possible pollution of waters.’’

Slaughterhouse Creek runs through a number of rural properties on the outskirts of the Dungog township, then into Williams River.

While fluoride is considered safe in small quantities, the substance can be toxic at high concentrations.

Mr Gilligan said Hunter Water has been discharging large volumes of water to the creek since the incident to dilute the fluoride and has been conducting its own monitoring until levels return to normal.

“The water quality data received by the EPA on 13 August suggests there were initially high levels of fluoride in Slaughterhouse Creek.

‘‘Levels have shown progressive reductions as the creek is being flushed.’’

A Hunter Water spokesman said the spill occurred under the watch of a contractor who will be replaced in October.

He said the corporation had been in regular contact with the farmers who used water from the creek.

‘‘Hunter Water is investigating the cause of the incident, including procedures at the plant,’’ he said.

Anyone with health concerns arising from the incident should contact their GP.

“We should have further sample results back later today,” Mr Gilligan said.

EPA’s Environment Line 131 555.

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