The Shepparton Irrigation Region (SIR) is experiencing the highest watertables in almost three decades, according to the latest data from Goulburn-Murray Water.
The data was collated based on monitoring results from Goulburn-Murray Water’s (GMW) groundwater monitoring bores across the region.
Salinity and waterlogging issues occur when watertables rise to within 1-2m of the ground surface. In the SIR this is driven by rainfall on a wet catchment.
It’s predicted the problem could be exacerbated if we see the return of sustained wet conditions.
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority’s (GBCMA) Sustainable Landscapes Manager Carl Walters said salinity and high watertables caused major economic losses and environmental damage in the SIR in the 1980s and 1990s.
“About 30 years ago the region was devastated by salinity. Now with subsequent wet years and the return of a wet climatic experience, we are seeing evidence that salinity is an issue again,” he said.
“Salinity and waterlogging affect crop yields, soil health, roads and ecosystem balance. When the watertable rises, it threatens vegetation and degrades soil quality.”
Mr Walters said the problem led to the formation of the Shepparton Irrigation Land and Water Management Plan in the late 1980s.
“Since the 80s significant public and private investments in adaptive management and hard work on compliance and policy issues have meant the SIR is more resilient, with responsive mechanisms like the 'salinity readiness' approach for the Public Groundwater Pump Network.
“This has seen Victoria consistently meet its Murray Darling Basin salinity management obligations for the past 14 years and continually improve irrigation practices and water use efficiency over the past 30 years.”
He said managing salinity in the SIR required constructive collaboration between landholders, water authorities and environmental agencies.
“By understanding the threat and adopting sustainable practices, we can protect our agricultural productivity, roads and natural resources.”
GMW’s drainage program coordinator Mark Potter said groundwater monitoring and the SIR Shallow Groundwater Salinity Watch website had helped empower landholders to manage salinity threats effectively.
But he said the best way to combat the emerging salinity risk involved government and landowners continuing to row in the same direction.
“Long-term planning by the GB CMA and GMW means we are maintaining robust defences against the ongoing salinity threat in the SIR."
For more information about groundwater levels, salinity risk and support available to landholders, please go to https://salinitywatch.gbcma.vic.gov.au/
A Goulburn Murray Water groundwater monitoring bore.