Barwon Water has submitted its review of the bulk entitlement that governs the sustainable use of the Anglesea borefield. It can access groundwater from the Lower Eastern View Formation aquifer, which stretches from the Otway foothills to the ocean, as deep as 700m below the surface.
Barwon Water’s review is now with the Victorian Minister for Water, Harriet Shing, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
Barwon Water’s General Manager of Planning, Delivery, and Environment, Seamus Butcher, said the review was about something other than increasing extraction limits.
“This is to inform how we will best manage the borefield in the future and ensure we continue to protect the natural environment,” he said.
“We remain committed to protecting the environment and groundwater-dependent ecosystems.”
No groundwater is currently being extracted from the borefield, which comprises seven production bores across two sites. The borefield was last used to supplement Geelong, Surf Coast and Bellarine’s drinking water supplies in 2019/20. Apart from a six-month pump test in the first half of 2022 that was used to help inform the review, it has remained on standby since then.
An extensive range of work was conducted to inform the review. This included reviewing the conceptual site and groundwater models and undertaking scenario forecasting modelling. The review also sought to identify the potential impacts of increasing the groundwater take without the appropriate triggers and controls, potential improvements to the controls and triggers within the current bulk entitlement and enhancements to the monitoring and assessment program.
Mr Butcher thanked the community for its feedback and input over several years, including through the Anglesea River Advisory Group and at public information sessions.
“While the borefield is in standby mode, we’ll continue monitoring the environment and informing the community about this work.”
Following the review, further work will be required to inform Barwon Water of any changes necessary to the bulk entitlement order to best protect the area’s environmental values and health.
If an amendment to the bulk entitlement is required, Barwon Water will engage with the community before submitting an amendment application to the Minister for Water.
The borefield is one of several water sources that can supplement the region’s supply system during dry conditions when water storage is low.
However, Barwon Water is continuing to invest in innovative and affordable solutions, such as recycled water, to increase alternative supplies and reduce its reliance on rivers and groundwater sources.
For more information on the borefield, please visit www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/anglesea-borefield
Image: Nick/stock.adobe.com
Find Irrigation Related Companies In The Pump Industry Capability Guide
