Irrigators must balance water use

3 February 2005

General Security water users must carefully examine their water use requirements for the remainder of the season to ensure they have enough water to finish crops and know how much unused water they will have.

“There will be no opportunity this year for irrigators to carryover more than 15%”, advised Geoff Hipkins, Chief Executive of Murrumbidgee Irrigation. “Last year we were able to permit a little extra carryover where water users had borrowed Snowy Hydro water for crop planting security and did not need it all. That does not apply this year.”

Murrumbidgee Irrigation is urging all customers to update their water use figures so they are aware of their potential underuse and carryover. Customers who have single farming units with both high and general security allocations should get advice from our staff on the new rules dealing with their carryover this year.

Irrigators intending to transfer additional water externally must advise Murrumbidgee Irrigation before 28 February. Notice to transfer internally must be made by 15 June.

“Customers at risk of over using their allocation must contact us immediately and make arrangements for transfer before they run out of water. For the first time in many years the company will be forced to immediately stop supply to customers exceeding their allocation and impose penalties”, said Mr Hipkins.

Water meters are read on the 1st and 16th of the month and updated figures are available within two to three days. Property Usage Reports are also available, and Murrumbidgee Irrigation staff are on-hand to discuss water requirements.