News
Water corporation joy over early bore results
Initial results from Westernport Water test bores at Corinella show that the underground reservoir could supply up to 75% of the region’s normal daily use needs if dry conditions continue.
The results of the first bore drill show a daily flow rate of 1.3ML/day.
Two other bores are still to be assessed but hydrologists believe they will yield similar flows.
Westernport Water customers use an average of about 5 to 6ML/day at Stage Two restrictions.
The initial results, which were received at the water corporation last week were welcomed by acting CEO Keith Gregory.
“This confirms our belief in groundwater supplies as part of our augmentation project,” he said.
“Ever since the Candowie Reservoir levels sank to 6% of capacity last June we have been single-mindedly working towards this moment.
“The news means we can be confident about future water supplies due to the diversity of sources available to us.”
Mr Gregory said that rain-fed supply into Candowie Reservoir would remain the corporation’s major water source.
Water pumped from the Bass River during times of high flow would be one of two further options.
“And now we have the security of another back-up, a third water source from these bore pumps,” he said. “It means that Westernport Water is well-placed to ride out any big dry.”
Mr Gregory praised the efforts of the Westernport Water engineers Helden Leereveld and Colin Bowker who scoured old maps and hydrology reports in the hunt for untapped aquifers at Corinella.
“The pair took on a task that required many, many long hours and a great deal of effort to produce outstanding results.”