Lower Ovens River catchment water resource assessment
About the project
In Stage A of this project conceptual and calibrated numerical models were developed for the Ovens River Valley from the Murray River to upstream of Myrtleford in 2010.
The aims of Stage B are specifically to:
- implement recommendations in the Stage A report
- develop an improved and refined understanding of the sustainable yield of the Lower Ovens GMA
- provide an updated quantification of the impact of groundwater extraction on surface water flows
- identify how this improved information will inform future management of groundwater in the GMA
These aims will be achieved by undertaking targeted field investigations and case studies, informed by recommendations and knowledge gaps identified in the development of the conceptual and numerical models in Stage A of the project. The numerical model will quantify how much water is available in the Ovens Catchment and how this compares to the current use of groundwater (and surface water) within the Catchment.
Commencing: January 2010
Completion: August 2011
Project benefits
Improved conceptual and numerical models will provide an updated quantification of the available water resources in the Ovens Valley. The project will detail the impact of groundwater extraction to surface water flows, the need to determine a sustainable yield and consider how this information will shape future management of regional groundwater resources.
The project has achieved its objective of implementing recommendations made from Stage A to improve and validate the hybrid groundwater and surface water model. The numerical model provides an improved calibration and quantification of the available water resources in the Lower Ovens GMA and explores shallow and deep aquifer responses to average and low rainfall years.
This study found the current level of groundwater extraction to be sustainable for average and dry years; however additional scenario modelling is required to understand the impact of increasing groundwater extraction to deep and shallow aquifers. This will provide annual volume limits or 'caps' in the Lower Ovens GMA, and will assist in the development of local management rules, where groundwater development can be encouraged in aquifers and geographical areas that do not show unacceptable impacts to surface water flows or associated groundwater dependent ecosystems.
The project will continue to provide benefits in the Lower Ovens GMA regarding the infrastructure developed for an ongoing monitoring program of surface water - groundwater interactions (from field investigation study sites). The numerical model will be used to assist in measuring the effectiveness and benefit of potential management decisions and rule development in the near future. The numerical model may also enhance the understanding of groundwater - surface water interactions in areas similar to the Ovens Valley, and could provide input into broader studies of the Murray Darling Basin.