Managed Aquifer Recharge Pilot in Myalup

Project overview

The Australian Government is committed to responsible investment in water infrastructure, based on scientific evidence and business cases that stack up economically and environmentally.

The Australian Government is no longer proceeding with the Managed Aquifer Recharge pilot in Myalup in Western Australia. The original project scope has been varied, and the Australian Government’s commitment to this project has been cancelled.

Background

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is the intentional recharge of water into groundwater aquifers for subsequent recovery or environmental benefit. It can improve water security and provide a drought reserve, as water stored underground won’t evaporate like water stored in surface dams.

In the Myalup region in Western Australia, a full-scale managed aquifer recharge (MAR) scheme could assist in water supply security, improving water quality and expanding food supply markets.

The Science Program supported the Western Australian (WA) Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to develop a pilot project to pump water from the Harvey River Diversion Drain into 4 basins (including installation and monitoring) to test the design and parameters.

Myalup is an important agricultural area in WA. However, surface water supply and groundwater resources in the region are at risk of decline due to a drying climate, clearing in the catchment and increased water demand. If water resources are not well managed, the region could experience a loss of produce, investment, business and jobs.

Studies have shown that a MAR scheme may be viable in Myalup, but further exploratory work is needed to determine if it is cost-effective and sustainable.