Murray drainage and water management plan
The Murray drainage and water management plan contains principles, strategies and tools to achieve best water resource management practices for the Murray area.
The study area comprises a series of inter-connected wetlands, lakes, rivers and groundwater aquifers that contribute to the highly complex and internationally important hydrological and ecological system of the Peel-Harvey estuary catchment. The main environmental condition of the plan area, particularly during winter, is one of excess water, coupled with limited availability of allocated water resources that are traditionally considered useable.
The plan area contains land which, if developed, could result in residential areas that are prone to seasonal inundation by shallow groundwater, significant flooding during major storm events and at risk of flooding from extreme tidal conditions and storm surges.
Historically, such areas were bypassed for urban development in favour of higher, drier easier prospects.
The Department of Water considers that, with sufficient initiative, effort and investment, it may be possible to overcome these considerable challenges and the landscape may become suitable to support urban development, from a water management perspective, provided that the principles and strategies in this document are adhered to.
The draft plan was made available for public comment in late 2010. The comments and the Department of Water's responses are detailed in the Murray drainage and water management plan: Statement of response.
A DVD with the DWMP, statement of response and supporting technical studies and current flood mapping (Oct 2011) is available from the Department of Water (Mandurah Regional office, head office) and Shire of Murray.
Managed aquifer recharge
Stormwater has the potential to become an asset for local communities, as a water supply for industry, public open spaces, sporting fields and private gardens.
The Feasibility of managed aquifer recharge using drainage water study outlines the potential of the confined Cattamarra Aquifer for storing harvested stormwater of a suitable quality. You can also find regulatory requirements in the department's The managed aquifer recharge policy and how it may be used for storing recycled water.
Publications
Murray drainage and water management plan
Murray drainage and water management plan: Statement of response
Murray hydrological studies: Conceptual model report
Murray hydrological studies: Land development, drainage & climate scenario report
Murray hydrological studies: Acid sulfate soil risk assessment and hydrochemistry
Related publications
Feasibility of managed aquifer recharge using drainage water
Nambeelup groundwater modelling report
