Irrigation availability

Dams
In the Waroona-Harvey-Dardanup area water is available from an established irrigation scheme (Harvey Water). Harvey Water’s operating licence for the years 1996-2006 was a total allocation of 153,460 ML per season from the seven dams that serve this irrigation area.

Each year the Department of Water, considers the status of the supply dams and decides what percentage of Harvey Water’s licensed water allocation is available for use.  Irrigators are informed of this before the season starts. Water allocations for the 2007-08 season were:

Waroona - 90%;

Harvey - 75% 

Collie - 100%.
 
Harvey Water costs include a fixed charge of $19.11/ML and a variable charge according to water used of $22.29/ML.

Reforms have separated entitlement to water from the land title; hence water can be traded separately from the land within the co-operative. The entitlement to water can be leased for a season, or sold outright.

Groundwater
In some areas (e.g. Boyanup/Capel and Scott Coastal Plain) water is available from acquifers. Some of these reserves are not fully allocated and offer potential for irrigated dairy farming. Water can also be transferred from other users subject to private negotiation. Note: It is important to consult with the Department of Water before transferring water, as licence holders are required to submit a management plan for approval.

Licences are required for all artesian groundwater wells in WA with new licences issued only if the total allocation issued will not exceed the limits for the resources available. Currently there is no charge for water taken from licensed bores.

Surface water
In proclaimed areas a license is required to take water from either a watercourse or groundwater aquifer whereas in unproclaimed areas water can be taken from watercourses without a licence so long as the flow is not “sensibly” diminished, affecting the rights of downstream users.