mmg.com.au

A significant number of the 371 flood-affected bores lie between just north of Bendigo and just south of Echuca.

DSE groundwater monitoring and reporting manager Jill McNamara said the repairs were important for maintaining the integrity of Victoria’s groundwater data.

‘‘The first stage of returning the flood damaged bores back to service involved pumping out flood water that had inundated the monitoring bores and led to inaccurate groundwater level readings,’’ Ms McNamara said.

‘‘With 371 of the 2500 bores in the network out of action, it’s important that these repairs are completed so we can regain access to groundwater data for affected areas.

‘‘Groundwater monitoring from the State Observation Bore Network provides DSE and other stakeholders with accurate information about the condition of groundwater resources.

‘‘More than 300 bores were inundated with floodwater through the headworks, which affected the groundwater levels recorded and provided false, high readings of groundwater levels in some locations.’’

Ms McNamara said it was crucial to have reliable readings that reflected the state of the aquifer as the levels were used to determine seasonal allocations for groundwater users.

Stage two of the works will begin in February, with all flood recovery works to be completed by June.