Barwon Water is continuing its review of the bulk entitlement arrangement governing the sustainable use of Anglesea borefield, ensuring the corporation meets its ongoing commitment to protect the environment and groundwater dependent ecosystems.

The borefield, which consists of seven production bores across two sites, accesses a vast underground aquifer around 700 metres below the surface, stretching from the Otway foothills to the Southern Ocean.

Barwon Water General Manager Planning, Delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher said the corporation had recently completed an update to the Anglesea Groundwater Model, a tool to help forecast and determine how much water can be taken sustainably from the Anglesea borefield in dry times when surface water storages are low.

“Our Anglesea Groundwater Model can simulate and predict how the aquifer systems will respond to both climate and Barwon Water’s potential future groundwater pumping activities, which will help inform the 2023-2024 bulk entitlement review,” he said.

“Our updated model includes climate change scenarios, other groundwater users, and new data collected as part of our environmental monitoring program, to ensure we can continue to protect the environment through sound planning and management.

“The bulk entitlement review is not about seeking to increase extraction volumes but rather helping to confirm how much water we can continue to take sustainably in the future, if we need to meet demand when surface water storages are low. With the oversight of independent technical experts, we’ll assess the effectiveness of the current monitoring program to determine if any changes are needed to ensure Barwon Water meets its ongoing commitment to protect the natural environment,” Mr Butcher said.

Come along to a community drop-in session to learn more

Barwon Water is planning a series of community conversations so community members can learn more before the bulk entitlement review report is finalised this year. The first community information session has been rescheduled for Wednesday 13 March at the Anglesea Bowling Club (15 Cameron Road, Anglesea).

Community members are invited to drop by anytime between 4pm and 6pm to meet members of the project team, who will be available to provide detailed information and answer any questions they may have.

“We are strongly committed to the sustainable management of the Anglesea borefield and keeping the Anglesea community informed about its use,” Mr Butcher said.

“Our priority is to protect the environment while providing high quality, affordable drinking water to our customers.

“We thank the local Anglesea community for their support during this process and we are committed to doing all we can to keep the local community informed.”