Farmers are being urged to keep their livestock off channel banks to prevent damage and improve water delivery.
When channels are not fenced off, livestock often head to the channel to drink. However, in doing so they can cause structural damage to the channel banks, creating leaks and impacting flowrates.
Water quality can also be impacted by animal waste or deceased livestock falling into channels. This can lead to waterborne diseases, pathogenic viruses and parasites.
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) general manager Water Delivery Services Warren Blyth asked farmers to be proactive in keeping stock off channel banks.
“Damaged channels can significantly impact the service downstream irrigators receive and can also be expensive to repair,” he said.
“In recent years, we have completed various channel refurbishments to help us provide water to our customers when they need it and at the desired flowrate.
“It is important farmers play their part to ensure this good work is not undone, and that their fellow irrigators can get the best service possible.”
It is the responsibility of landholders to keep livestock off channel banks and ensure that stock do not damage GMW assets.
Under section 288 of the Water Act 1989, GMW is able to take action against any person who damages or in any way interferes with any works or property belonging to or under the control and management of GMW.
“Damage to channel banks from livestock is preventable,” Mr Blyth said.
“It creates unnecessary issues for our customers and is therefore something we are eager to put an end to.”
Landholders with any questions about their responsibilities can contact GMW’s Customer Experience Team on 1800 013 357.