Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) today announced a maximum annual groundwater allocation for two of the three management zones in the Lower Campaspe Valley Water Supply Protection Area (WSPA) for the 2011/12 irrigation season. The annual allocation applies to each management zone from 15 August 2011 until 30 June 2012.
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Management Zone
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Annual allocation
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1028
|
75%
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|
1029
|
100%
|
|
1030
|
100%
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G-MW Acting Managing Director, Ian Moorhouse said the annual management zone allocations were good news.
"Due to the high rainfall and recent floods, groundwater levels are responding well after several years of decline due to the effects of drought. However, deep aquifers can take some time to recover and this has been taken into account in determining this year's allocations. The need for further groundwater recovery is reflected in the allocation for management zone 1028, which extends from south of Elmore to Echuca and incorporates the Rochester and Lockington districts," said Mr Moorhouse.
The Lower Campaspe Valley WSPA has about 140 licensed customers and extends from Lake Eppalock to the River Murray, and incorporates the towns of Echuca, Pine Grove, Lockington, Rochester, Elmore, Goornong, Barnadown, Fosterville and Axedale.
"Lower Campaspe Valley WSPA customers will soon receive a letter confirming their annual allocation," said Mr Moorhouse.
The annual allocation controls how much groundwater can be pumped each year and will help groundwater users plan their upcoming water business needs.
The allocation announcement for the three management zones has been made based on the interim management rules in place for the Lower Campaspe Valley WSPA, which are available at www.g-mwater.com.au/water-resources/ground-water. G-MW will continue to operate to these rules until a management plan is approved by the Minister for Water.
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