Public invited to view G-MW's meter testing program in, Murray Valley, Shepparton, Central Goulburn and Rochester-Campaspe irrigation areas.
Customers and members of the local community are invited to view Goulburn-Murray Water's (G-MW) meter-testing rig in action, as G-MW continues its testing program that will see a further 60 sites tested across all irrigation areas this season.
According to G-MW Managing Director Russell Cooper the rig is the first of its kind in Australia and the public viewing program is in response to the considerable community interest in last year's test program.
"Last year our pilot project tested 28 meters. This year we are expanding the data set to further validate the earlier estimates of meter error, to increase our system knowledge and to refine our planning for the replacement of Dethridge wheels across the region," said Mr Cooper.
The test rig provides accurate and comparable test results for irrigation meters in the field with a testing system accuracy of better than 1 percent, and is regularly recalibrated to ensure the ongoing accuracy and integrity of test results.
"From 2009 when the new National Metering Standards take effect all irrigation providers must have meter-testing regime that is accurate, reliable and auditable. Our rig fulfills these requirements and will ensure our region complies with the new standards," said Mr Cooper.
G-MW invites members of the public to view the test rig in action at a nominated site in each of G-MW's irrigation areas. Viewing sessions were held in Pyramid-Boort and Torrumbarry in late 2007. Forthcoming viewing dates are:
Murray Valley Irrigation Area
Date: Wednesday 6 February 2008
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Location: Outlet MV 4000, corner Sandmount Rd & O'Kane Rd Cobram
G-MW Area Office: 5871 0100
Shepparton Irrigation Area
Date: Friday 8 February 2008
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Location: SP 142, corner of Raftery Road and Mitchell Road, Shepparton
G-MW Area Office: 5832 9900
Central Goulburn Irrigation Area
Date: Monday 18 February 2008
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Location: Outlet RN 542, Bitcon Road between Dhurringile and Bayunga Roads Tatura
G-MW Area Office: 5833 5460
Rochester-Campaspe Irrigation Area
Date: Wednesday 20 February 2008
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Location: Outlet RO 5370, Nanneella- Echuca Rd between O'Dea and Anderson Roads.
G-MW Area Office: 5484 0400
Weather, demand for irrigation water and site access may force changes to the program so visitors are encouraged to contact the local G-MW office on the day to confirm the test is going ahead as planned.
G-MW's testing program was initiated in response to the revised National Metering Standards proposed to take effect from 2009 that will require meters to operate within +/- 5% accuracy in the field. Last year's results for Dethridge meters indicated the wheels always measured in favour of the irrigator but the amount varied from 1 to 24 percent, and averaged around 10 percent.
"An average of 10 percent is consistent with the results of the many earlier studies and research, however our test results indicated many of the factors causing meter error cannot be controlled by G-MW," said Mr Cooper.
G-MW has approximately 18,000 Dethridge wheels in place across the region, and last year G-MW refurbished around 10 percent of these.
"Our testing last year, confirmed that even with this maintenance regime in place the Dethridge wheels are simply unable to meet the more stringent tolerances set down in the new National Metering Standards. This further round of testing will further add to this important knowledge base," said Mr Cooper.
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Media Contact: Linda Nieuwenhuizen
Position: Manager Corporate Communications
Telephone: 5833 5776 or 0412 183 792