Goulburn-Murray Water have announced an increase in the seasonal allocation in the Blampied Zone of the Spring Hill Water Supply Protection Area (WSPA), near Ballarat.
Graeme Hannan, G-MW's Executive Manager Water Resources said an increase in groundwater levels in December means that the seasonal allocation in the Blampied Zone can be increased from 80% to 100%.
"While an increase in allocation is possible for Blampied customers, groundwater levels have not recovered enough to allow an increase in the Forest Hill Zone, which means the seasonal allocation in this zone will remain at 50%," Mr Hannan said.
This announcement comes after G-MW's most recent review in the Spring Hill (WSPA), where a water shortage has been declared, and is in accordance with the Spring Hill WSPA Groundwater Management Plan.
The initial seasonal allocations were announced for the 2009/10 season based on August 2009 groundwater level readings and were reviewed again in November.
"At that time there was insufficient level rise and no further increase in allocations could be announced,"
"G-MW advised customers that it would continue to monitor groundwater levels throughout the season and review allocations if groundwater levels increased above trigger levels," Mr Hannan said.
G-MW will continue to consider applications for temporary transfer of groundwater licence entitlement for the remainder of the irrigation season.
If you have any questions about groundwater allocations or temporary transfers, please contact Brendan Cossens on phone 0408 527 735.
Seasonal allocations for each of the zones in the Spring Hill WSPA are now as follows:
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