Electromagnetic survey and seepage measurement in Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area supply channels
Summary
Soybeans are produced with channel irrigation in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area
A channel seepage decision support system would be of great importance for the refurbishment of infrastructure decisions by irrigation companies, industry, farmers, and local communities who are forced to improve conveyance efficiency of their systems under the new national water initiative. It is believed this project would benefit these groups as well as irrigation consultants.
The project will:
- identify relative leakiness of channels within the irrigation system to prioritise investment options;
- provide inputs into spatial ‘inefficiency’ maps of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA); and,
- (at each site) prepare a water balance to identify the scale of leakage losses - Inflows (cross section x average velocity) less diversions and outflows less evaporation (adjusted pan).
The key objective of this project is to develop a hydrologic economic ranking (Megalitres saved vs dollars invested) for realising true water savings at the farm and regional levels. By investigating options such as lining/sealing/piping of channels it is hoped to achieve reduction of seepage losses from open storages and improved delivery operations. This sub-project will be aided by Electromagnetic (EM) and seepage measurement studies to target most leaky parts of the systems.
Where appropriate the externalities (e.g. salinity, saline groundwater flows and waterlogging) will be quantified for the alternative reticulation and irrigation systems.
Collaborating agencies
Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
Leader
Saud Akbar
Richmond (Hawkesbury)
News: Saud was a co-winner of the 2007 Eureka Prize for Water Research and Innovation