Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) will drill approximately 150 new bores over the next 18 months as part of a statewide program funded by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. The new bores will expand the existing State Observation Bore Network and improve the quality of groundwater monitoring. The bores are used for monitoring purposes only, and will be installed on public land.
According to G-MW Executive Manager Water Resources Graeme Hannan the new bores will improve the availability and quality of groundwater information for northern Victoria.
"In partnership with DSE we have identified sites that will fill in gaps in the current network of more than 2500 observation bores. The information will enable more informed planning by water managers and our customers and provide key information about the availability and quality of groundwater resources," said Mr Hannan.
Drilling has commenced in the Upper Loddon catchment; around Newlyn, Clunes and Waubra, and will progress eastward over the next 18 months.
"The information provided by the Network helps to identify areas where our groundwater resources are at greatest risk and where more intensive management is required. We will use this information to work with local community to develop the resource while protecting existing groundwater users and the environment," said Mr Hannan.
DSE's Manager of Groundwater Monitoring and Reporting, Matthew Potter said "The drilling being undertaken by rural water corporations is part of a multi-million dollar state-wide initiative that will ensure that the best possible information is available to Victoria's water resource managers. The DSE have worked closely with the rural water corporations to strategically locate new bores and information gathered."
All bores will be drilled on public land and will be regularly monitored so that changes in groundwater levels can be observed over time.
"Monitoring improves our knowledge of the extent of the State's aquifer systems and helps us better understand the impacts that pumping and climate have on these systems," said Mr Potter
For more information on the State Observation Bore Network drilling program contact Brendan Cossens at Goulburn-Murray Water on (03) 5833 5437.
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