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Temporary winterfill pumping ban on Mitchell River due to low flows and rainfall by Southern Rural Water

Mitchell River winterfill license holders have been notified, but minimal impact is expected as they've already filled their dams. Winterfill licenses allow river water pumping for on-farm storage, ending on October 31.

By news@gippsland - 30th August 2023 - Back to News

Southern Rural Water has placed a temporary ban on winterfill pumping on the Mitchell River. The decision is in response to lower-than-average rainfall in the Mitchell River catchment and in accordance with local management rules that require Southern Rural Water to implement bans once passing flows drop below 1400 megalitres per day. The ban will be lifted if stream flows rise above 1400 megalitres per day before the end of October.

Southern Rural Water has imposed a temporary winterfill pumping ban on the Mitchell River in line with flow regulations and will be lifted if flows exceed 1400 megalitres per day

Managing passing flow

Passing flow refers to the volume of water required to be maintained at a location to manage the health of the environment. Southern Rural Water has notified Mitchell River winterfill licence holders of the temporary ban. Impacts to customers are minimal as licence holders have used the winterfill period to top up their dams.

A winterfill licence permits users to pump water from the river to on-farm storage dams for use at a later time. The winterfill season ends on 31 October. Prior to pumping, customers must call the Mitchell River rostering hotline on 1300 723 294 to ensure compliance and for up-to-date information. Customers are also strongly encouraged to do the following:

• Call the local Southern Rural Water field officerto ensure water is flowing above the required level
• Check real time river flow data at the Water monitoring page

Bans are not implemented often in the Mitchell River catchment, with a previous ban on summer pumping introduced in 2019.

Pictures from Department of Environment, Land Water and Pumping website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com