Sewage flowing directly from a pipe into a local waterway last week was quickly stopped thanks to prompt action by an alert member of the local community. Graham Evans, who tests Toongabbie Creek for the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust, spotted the sewer overflow just near William Joyce Reserve in West Baulkham Hills.

Mr Evans said, "I was testing the water in the creek not far from Seven Hills Road when two walkers approached me and asked if I knew that there was what looked like a sewage spilling from a pipe further downstream".

When Mr Evans investigated he found a broken pipe with raw sewage spilling into the creek.

"I called the Environment Protection Authority and Sydney Water immediately. They reacted very quickly; which was good, " he explained.

Mr Lee Lau, Water Quality Officer at the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust praised Mr Evens for his actions: "The Trust is very fortunate to have people like Graham working in the community. In this case what could have been a major sewage spill into Toongabbie Creek was stopped as soon as possible".

Mr Bob Junor, the Chairman of the Upper Parramatta River Catchment added, "It's partnerships like this that help to stop major environmental problems from occurring. If it wasn't for Graham's regular testing, this spill may have gone unnoticed for sometime."

As an active member of the Sophia Doyle Bushcare Group, Mr Evans carries out bush regeneration along the banks of Toongabbie Creek twice a week.

Mr Evans monitors water quality at 7 sites in Baulkham Hills and has continued his testing this week. This, along with further testing by the Trust, showed no sign of the sewage pollution.