$400 million Menindee Lakes Project
The Australian Government has made a commitment to invest up to $400 million to reduce evaporation and improve water efficiency at Menindee Lakes; secure Broken Hill's water supply; protect the local environment and heritage; and return up to 200 gigalitres (GL) per year to the environment. There are currently two studies underway to support the implementation of this project.
Darling River water savings project - Part B study
The Australian and NSW Governments are jointly funding the Darling River Water Savings Project (DRWSP) Part B study , an important study investigating options to reduce evaporation at Menindee Lakes, improve the water supply and management of the Darling River system, and secure Broken Hill's water supply. Each Government has committed up to $650,000 for the Project. The expected completion date is March 2010.
Broken Hill managed aquifer recharge (BHMAR) project
Latest news
New video showing aerial surveys being done as part of the BHMAR project now online, see:
As an initial step towards accelerating efforts to identify options for securing Broken Hill's water supply, the Australian Government commissioned Geoscience Australia to undertake a study of known groundwater resources and aquifer storage options within 150km of Broken Hill (the 'Broken Hill Groundwater Resource Assessment').
Based on positive findings from this study, the Department has commissioned Geoscience Australia to undertake a project to help identify options to secure Broken Hill's water supply. The Broken Hill Managed Aquifer Recharge Project will test groundwater resources and aquifer storage options. This project will assist the Australian Government in determining a way forward to deliver its $400 million commitment for Menindee Lakes.
Phase 1 of the BHMAR was completed in February 2009 and found that suitable aquifer targets for a potential Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) system in combination with groundwater extraction can be identified. In addition, the risk assessment of airborne electro-magnetic (AEM) technology determined that the capability exists to successfully map several of the aquifer target areas with a high degree of confidence in the results.
The Australian Government has committed funds of up to $16 million for Phase 2 for further data acquisition, based on the positive findings from Phase 1. Phase 2 has recently commenced and involves scientific data acquisition of the region's groundwater systems. Key components of this project are the airborne electro magnetic data to help map groundwater resources and quality, and the spatial extent of aquifers. A report on this project is due in March 2010
If the Phase 2 findings determine the use of sustainable groundwater resources and an aquifer storage system is practicable, a more detailed geological and engineering assessment will be undertaken to fully test this new approach. These groundwater investigations are an example of an innovative approach to accomplish sustainable water use in the Murray-Darling Basin.
For further information on the BHMAR Project, please visit Geoscience Australia - Broken Hill Managed Aquifer Recharge web page .
Further information
- Next steps in Menindee Lakes water savings projects - media release
- $16 million towards securing Broken Hill's water supply - media release
- Darling River Water Savings Project
- Broken Hill Groundwater Resource Assessment
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