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Findings of long-awaited aquifer study not far away
Written by steven burke.
RESULTS of the long-awaited Ovens-Murmungee Aquifer Study are expected to be known next month.
The Rural City of Wangaratta had hoped to receive the study’s findings by August last year, but asked for more information when the consultant’s report initially came back.
The first two stages of the study have shown the aquifer to be very large in size, with high quality water that has a high interaction with water levels in the Ovens River.
Council hopes the aquifer could hold the key to securing Wangaratta’s future water supply, and is also optimistic the water could be used for intensive irrigation throughout the region, building on the idea of turning the Ovens and King valleys into a food bowl.
Council chief executive officer, Doug Sharp, said the main focus of the study was environmental sustainability.
"There are three levels of that water framework, there’s the river itself, the shallow aquifer, and a deep lead aquifer," he said.
"All the work has been done on how the deep lead aquifer relates to the river and the shallow aquifer.
"The study is about not interfering with the water levels in the river or the shallow aquifer.
"It really is about how the deep lead aquifer can be accessed in areas where it won’t impact the river system.
"It’s both renewable and rechargeable.
"It’s a very extensive study going on and they will be looking to report on that in early March."
Mr Sharp said the aquifer could ensure Wangaratta has water in dry years.
"Water in most years is available and readily accessible," he said.
"The deep lead aquifer gives us a chance to potentially tap into another water reservoir which could potentially be Big Buffalo with a lid on it.
"We’ve got such a massive catchment that by and large that recharge isn’t an issue.
"But I’m pre-empting the outcomes of the study, which I shouldn’t be doing.
"The study is heading in the direction of coming up with some answers that satisfies all the environmental concerns, including the health of the river."
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