Rehab works bear fruit in Wakool

Rehabilitation works conducted by State Water on the Wakool River west of Deniliquin have brought water to a 15km stretch of riverbed that has been dry for three years.

The works on 1.5km of river will increase water efficiency and result in a more reliable long term supply to local stock and domestic customers.

Sound local knowledge, and inter-agency co-operation to ensure environmental compliance, will result in better customer services for local landholders without requiring increased flows.

The project required the identification and removal of sediment deposits which had accumulated over decades and acted as barriers as flows were diminished by ongoing drought.

State Water CEO George Warne said the success of the project was borne on the back of State Water’s knowledge of the local river environment.

“State Water’s field staff pride themselves on not only knowing their customers, but also on knowing the river systems in which they operate,” he said.

“In this case years of working in the local district and the Edward/Wakool system were put to good use in rehabilitating a waterway that had come under increased stress as the drought grew in intensity.

“Our solid working relationship with the NSW Office of Water ensured that environmental considerations were paramount in undertaking the work.

“It also relied on the initiative and commitment of our officers in the area and they are to be commended for their ongoing efforts to make the most of valuable local water resources.”

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Tony Webber (02) 6841 2006 or 0428 613 478