G-MW sets usage record

(Ground water is frequently referred to as “ancient”, meaning it has been in underground aquifers for many thousands of years, sometimes as long as 10,000. Ground water was once a little like oil, poke a stick in the ground a there it was, but like oil, this is becoming rarer and more difficult to access.

Countries all around the world, especially those more populous places such as China and India, have had noticeable and drops in their ground water supply; drops measured in metres, not just centimetres as the recharge of those aquifers is far less than the amount of water being extracted.

The water could once be scooped from a well and other easily accessible places by hand, but now it can only be sourced through the use of a pump that can lift water for metres from below the ground – Robert McLean.)

Goulburn-Murray Water recorded the
highest ever use of groundwater
 in the 2015-16 season.

Goulburn-Murray Water recorded the highest ever use of groundwater in the 2015-16 season.

G-MW acting manager of groundwater and streams Matt Pethybridge said the increased use of groundwater could be attributed to past seasons’ dry conditions and reduced availability of surface water.

‘‘This highlights the importance and reliance of groundwater resources to irrigators to enable them to manage during dry seasons,’’ Mr Pethybridge said.

‘‘The greatest use was in the Lower Campaspe Valley where 81 percent, or 45Gl, of groundwater entitlement, was extracted compared to a typical use of between 30 to 65 percent.

Read the Country News story - “G-MW sets usage record.”