The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) has announced that water restrictions have been lifted in the Carnarvon region after the recent tropical low caused the Gascoyne River to rise to seven metres.
Mid-West Gascoyne Regional Manager at DWER, Fleur Coaker said the removal of restrictions meant Carnarvon irrigators could access groundwater from the riverbed sands throughout February, with no limit, and without affecting their annual water entitlement.
“The Department recognises that the recent flooding has been destructive to some residents in low-lying areas; however, it is hoped that the easing of pumping restrictions will provide some relief for the horticultural industry by allowing access to additional water for irrigation,” Ms Coaker said.
“DWER’s monitoring shows that the river water is currently very fresh and will effectively recharge the riverbed sands aquifer.”
She encouraged growers to take advantage of the unrestricted pumping period saying the Department will closely monitor the catchment and river levels and continue to provide updates.
“A decision on whether unrestricted pumping can continue beyond February will be made at the end of the month and depend on water quality and river levels,” Ms Coaker said.
Unrestricted pumping was last declared in February 2020.
