The move towards a fully automated system for the Werribee Irrigation District is one step closer, thanks to the installation of two flow meters during the winter shutdown period.
Southern Rural Water engaged contractor Barwon Asset Solutions to complete the major works. Once completed, this will contribute to the long-term strategy of achieving total channel control for the district.
Once achieved, this will provide customers with a valuable opportunity to capitalise on more efficient water delivery. Also, they will be able to place orders in an automated system, rather than manually.
For Southern Rural Water, an automated system will allow more accurate readings of flows coming into the system. This will save time and resources, while increasing efficiency when meeting customer orders.
Werribee Irrigation District Modernisation Program Leader, Belal Chundoo, said it was rewarding to see that strong collaboration ensured the project was delivered on time.
“The biggest challenge of this project was to get it done within the two-week shutdown period. We will be finishing the project before the end of shutdown, which is an amazing outcome for our customers.”
The works included two new pipe sections coming into the system with flow meters installed. One pipe will be connected to the modernised stages, with the second connecting to the existing system.
The project strengthens the broader modernisation works, which were completed last year after starting in 2016. The $42 million project was delivered in five stages and replaced the region’s channel irrigation network.
Overall, these infrastructure investments continue to enhance local irrigation and the health of the Werribee River.