Closer to understanding groundwater availability in the Ovens Valley
It might be underground but groundwater in north-east Victoria is set to become better understood, thanks to the completion of a conceptual model for aquifers in the Ovens River Valley.
Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW), in conjunction with consultants GHD, is currently assessing groundwater resources of the Ovens River catchment which includes the Ovens, King and Buffalo River Valleys as well as Reedy Creek near Beechworth.
G-MW Executive Manager Water Resources, Graeme Hannan said the first stage of the project was progressing well and was on track for completion by this September.
"The conceptual model is now ready. It will provide an understanding of where groundwater is located and the extent of those aquifers," Mr Hannan said.
A numerical model will be developed based on the understanding of the Ovens Valley shown by the new conceptual model. It will factor in surface water systems because the high connectivity between groundwater and surface water in the area means groundwater extraction has the potential to affect flows in the Ovens River.
"Numerical modelling will provide an understanding of the amount of groundwater available in the catchment during different times of the year. It will also assist in understanding how patterns of water extraction may affect water availability throughout the Valley, particularly under different climate scenarios," Mr Hannan said.
"The modelling will help G-MW understand possible impacts of groundwater extraction on flows in the rivers and streams of the Ovens Valley. The model will also consider climate change and its influence on the availability of groundwater into the future."
The second stage of the project will see G-MW use the modelling results to undertake additional field studies targeting the strong interaction between groundwater and surface water. In the third and final stage of the project, G-MW will use the knowledge from the first two stages to develop management tools to allow sustainable use of groundwater in the Ovens Valley into the future.
"If the modelling and field studies show that management tools are needed, they will be developed in consultation with stakeholders," Mr Hannan said.
The first two stages of the project are being funded by the Federal Government's National Water Commission (NWC), which is contributing $150,000, and a partnership between NWC, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Regional Development Victoria, which is providing $200,000.
Any queries about the groundwater resource assessment project can be directed to Daniel Lovell, G-MW
Senior Water Resources Officer on phone (03) 5833 5730.
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Telephone: 03 5833 5754 or 0408 350 756
