Automating Channels
The project will see manually operated channels turned into a fully automated irrigation delivery system, which will allow better measurement of water flows.
Manual flow control structures in channels and outdated flow meters at farms will be replaced with meters that more accurately measure flows, provide real time measurement data and, in most cases, are automated. In turn, this will allow channel repairs to be undertaken where the worst seepage and leakage losses are occurring.
By automating the gates that provide water to farms, water will be delivered without irrigators needing to manually operate the gate. This will allow interaction with on-farm automation equipment, facilitating best practice irrigation on farms. Irrigators will also benefit from constant flows and having water near on demand.
By improving the way irrigators order, receive, and manage their water, channel automation will deliver water savings for Victoria and provide labour and capital savings for irrigators with an improved level of service.
Metering Upgrade
Northern Victoria’s irrigation system contains Dethridge wheels used to measure diversions onto irrigation properties. Dethridge wheels become inaccurate through general wear-and-tear and commonly under-measure water delivery by approximately eight per cent. They do not meet the impending new metering standards, which require a maximum of plus or minus five per cent measurement accuracy. Lifting drop bars involves many OH&S issues.
About 9000 Dethridge wheels are being replaced with more accurate devices such as solar-powered electromagnetic flow meters and FlumeGates™, depending on what best suits the needs of the irrigator and the site.
Pipes and Channels
Lining, remodelling or piping parts of the channel system will save most of the 30 per cent of water losses associated with this open channel system.
