GOULBURN-MURRAY Water (GMW) is looking to enhance the performance of its delivery network with its most comprehensive dewatering campaign in more than a decade.
Each year, in the three months between irrigation seasons, GMW dewaters parts of its channel network to undertake crucial maintenance works on assets that are usually beneath the waterline.
GMW Water Delivery Services general manager Warren Blyth said dewatering channels also enabled GMW to inspect its network and combat aquatic weeds.
“Dewatering channels during the winter is one of the most effective means we have of treating aquatic weeds,” he said.
“Exposing weeds to frost helps us kill off large amounts without having to manually treat them with herbicide, making it a very efficient and cost-effective method.
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“Dewatering also allows us to inspect more of our channel network, which helps us prioritise future maintenance works.”
The 2024/25 irrigation season ends on 15 May, with 10 May being the last day customers are able to place orders.
The 2025/26 irrigation season then begins on 15 August 2025.
Mr Blyth said irrigators needed to prepare now for the period between seasons when they would not have access to water.
“Customers will not be able to order water during the irrigation off-season, so it is important they have plans in place for if they need water during this time, such as filling their tanks and dams in advance,” he said.
“I strongly encourage anyone with questions about securing water for the irrigation off-season to get in touch with us to discussion their options as soon as possible.”
For more information, people can phone GMW on 1800 013 357.
More information about how people can prepare for the end of the irrigation season can be found on the GMW website: www.g-mwater.com.au/end-of-season
