Charlotte Varcoe
INVESTIGATIONS will begin into the feasibility of sourcing excess water from the Limestone Coast’s drainage network and storing it beneath the ground in the region’s aquifer for later use by primary industries.
Announced to regional mayors during a presentation at a Limestone Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA) meeting in Mount Gambier last Friday, a feasibility study into the proposal will be led by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board in partnership with the Primary Producers Sustainable Water Group.
In-line with the Landscape Board’s ‘Making Every Drop Count’ focus, the study will explore the proposal as a potential new way to achieve water security and sustainability in the Limestone Coast.
Project manager Glen Harrington told the LCLGA the study would include an assessment of the region’s drainage network, working closely with the South East Water Conservation and Drainage Board, before researching the potential for aquifer storage.
“Most of these drainage networks are dry throughout summer,” Mr Harrington said.
“After we look at managing an aquifer storage we will start saying we know where the water will be available and know what stakeholders also think about the project and whether it is feasible.
“We know there is not much water flow from interstate but we know that closer to the coast that is where most of the discharge is happening,” Mr Harrington said.
“The larger drains in the Lower South East have better drainage each year and better water quality including Bool lagoon.”
Mr Harrington said the proposal involves taking surplus water from ground surface – such as storm-water, drainage or local roof runoffs – and pump it underground to aquifers from where it could be extracted at a later date when water is needed; when rainfall is low.
“The methodology has potential; if there is water available take that water and store it underground,” Mr Harrington said.
“Everyone in the community I have spoken to says there is so much water flowing out to sea every year and that it is just a waste.”
Local potato farmer and a member of the Primary Producers Sustainable Water Group, Terry Buckley said the study would provide an understanding of potential additional water for use in the region.
“This project investigates what resource is available in the drainage network, understanding its quality, quantity, frequency and what can be sustainably harnessed,” Mr Buckley said.
“If this study reveals that it is viable to utilise this drainage water to recharge the aquifer, and subsequently if the aquifer proves to be robust enough to allow extra extraction, it could provide significant new water resources for our region.”
The feasibility study includes consultation with industry, community and environmental stakeholders.
