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All Current and Past Media Releases
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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Date: 2 July 2008 RESTRICTION ON GROUNDWATER PUMPING IN MAULES CREEK The Department of Water and Energy today announced restrictions on groundwater extraction at Maules Creek in Northern NSW.
The restrictions are necessary to cope with the ongoing water shortage, and to limit the impact of pumping on the groundwater source.
The groundwater and surface water systems are connected. As there is limited storage in the alluvium, this impacts on stock and domestic access from the creek.
Pumping groundwater impacts on the creek pool at Elfin Crossing, which under the current extreme drought conditions is the only remaining creek pool in this area.
The Department of Water and Energy has undertaken an extensive review of technical data regarding the restrictions.
To cope with the ongoing shortage pumping water is restricted to no more than 12 hours per day when the surface flow in Maules Creek at Elfin Crossing falls below 1ML per day.
It is also necessary to restrict pumping to no more than four hours per day when the surface flow at Elfin crossing gauge station ceases.
When the surface flow in Maules Creek at Elfin Crossing Gauging Station has ceased, the pumping hours may be accrued in accordance with Schedule 2 of the Order.
The restrictions will apply to 30th June 2009. However, the Department will continue to monitor conditions and keep the restrictions under review.
Additional information is available on the Department’s website at www.dwe.nsw.gov.au. Alternatively; licence holders can phone their local DWE office for more information.
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