Going in early to help native fish

How is water for the environment being used?

In the Edward/Kolety-Wakool rivers, water for the environment is being delivered in partnership with Murray Irrigation Limited (MIL) to create safe-zones of fresh water for native fish, crayfish, and other aquatic animals.

Using MIL’s network of channels and escapes, small volumes of oxygenated water can be delivered to create areas of better quality water, as is currently happening at the Wakool, Edward and Neimur escapes. Native fish and crays can move to these areas and improve their chances of survival, should they need to. The approach has been designed with the Edward/Kolety-Wakool Environmental Water Reference Group and draws on lessons learned from previous low-oxygen events in 2016, 2012 and 2010. The delivery of this water will be responsive to changes in conditions and advice from the SES and local communities. The CEWO is thankful for the local community representatives, and the broader community, for their efforts in responding to previous low-oxygen events in the Edward/Kolety-Wakool rivers.

With the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder using MIL infrastructure, and paying associated fees, the delivery of this water is achieving multiple benefits. MIL is investigating other sites that could also be used to provide similar habitat, depending on local community support.

Scientists from Charles Sturt University have water quality monitoring in place to capture data as water for the environment is delivered. Water managers will continue talking with local communities, including First Nations about the progress of the flow over the coming weeks.

This work is possible thanks to the collaboration and support of the local community and our water delivery partners - NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, NSW DPI Fisheries, Charles Sturt University, WaterNSW, Murray Irrigation Ltd, and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.

Deliveries of water for the environment began on 15 September at the Wakool escape, 6 October at the Edward escape and 7 October at the Neimur escape. Flow rates will be adjusted depending on river flows and may be reduced as river flows peak.

How are outcomes of water for the environment monitored?

Charles Sturt University will monitor the effectiveness of this release of water for the environment. More information can be found on their website or by searching: CSU Edward-Wakool MER project.

Who do you contact?

For more information on Commonwealth water for the environment, please contact Anthony Wilson, CEWO Local Engagement Officer on 0419 188 430 Anthony.Wilson@awe.gov.au, or follow us on Twitter @theCEWH.

Information on the Edward/Kolety-Wakool Environmental Water Reference Group can be found at: http://www.environment.gov. au/water/cewo/catchment/mid-murray/edward-wakool-ewrg