Barwon Downs groundwater extraction bores decommissioned

The former Barwon Downs borefield extraction bores have been decommissioned, as part of Barwon Water’s commitment not to use this water source into the future.

The six former bores in the Otways have been filled and sealed, preventing any future use.

Community group members and Otway Ranges residents were briefed on the works as part of a guided tour in March, where they also viewed the removal of the headworks on one of the bores.

The works were carried out by Drilltec, with support from GHD and regulatory oversight by Southern Rural Water. They involved:

• Downhole camera inspections to validate construction, screened intervals and condition
• Full grouting of the bore from the base upwards, to seal the bore and prevent inflow; and
• Removal of bore headworks and above ground pipework.

Managing Director Shaun Cumming thanked community members for their great advice, input and support over many years.

“What this action sets in concrete is our path forward to a new water future,” Mr Cumming said.

“This includes a strong focus on water savings, smart initiatives and alternative water sources, such as manufactured water, recycled water and an increasing use of the Greater Melbourne water grid.”

The borefield was last used to supplement drinking water supplies in 2016. Technical work in 2017 confirmed that intermittent use of the borefield had reduced groundwater contributions to select reaches of Boundary Creek, a tributary of the Barwon River.

A Remediation and Environmental Protection Plan (REPP) was then created to improve water flows, water quality, vegetation and ecology in Boundary Creek and Big Swamp.

One of its key actions is the removal of the borefield as a supply option, which allows the continued recovery of groundwater levels in the Lower Tertiary Aquifer.

More information on the REPP, and the progress Barwon Water has made in its key actions over the past few years, can be found at www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/boundary-creek

Attendees at Monday’s tour included representatives from Land and Water Resources, Otway Catchment (LAWROC) Group, Forrest and District Community Group, Friends of the Barwon, Upper Landcare Network and Murroon Landcare.