News
Bass River pump proposal explained at public meetings
Westernport Water held a series of public meetings recently to detail one of its plans for ensuring future water supply security and to seek public feedback.
At two public meetings on April 22, the water corporation explained that, even though water use has fallen an average of 28% over the last seven years, the recent drought has highlighted the need to seek new sources of water.
The meetings, also attended by representatives from Melbourne Water and the Department of Sustainability and Environment, were held at Bass and Cowes and attracted a total of 24 people.
The daytime and evening meetings focused on Westernport Water’s application for a permanent licence to pump water from Bass River during periods of high-flow.
The water corporation successfully sought temporary licences to pump water from the river in winter 2007, after Candowie reserves fell to 6%.
Another temporary licence has been obtained to harness some 2008 winter flows.
The Corporation is now seeking a permanent licence to extract up to 25ML/day. Westernport Water chair Pam Cameron explained the licence would be one of several options that the water corporation hopes to have available in low-rainfall seasons.
Acting Managing Director Keith Gregory explained that Westernport Water was aware of the need to manage water resources in a responsible manner.
“We have to ensure the rivers are looked after,” he said. “Melbourne Water has done a study in terms of environmental flow. It will be used to help validate the necessary environmental flow levels, above which we can sustainably access water over the year.”
Westernport Water will make its approach to the Water Minister Tim Holding mid-year.
In reply to public questioning about controls on the offtake, Steven Porter, Manager of Assets, Planning and Operations, said: “The pump station is set up to only operate above the required environmental flow. Our pumps only take water after that flow has been reached.”