Solutions

The Big Salt Bust

innovative analytical numerical modelling of groundwaterAustralian Water Environments (AWE) works extensively in the field of salt interception in recognition of the Australian community’s desire to restore the River Murray.

AWE has developed innovative investigation and assessment techniques to better understand the natural characteristics and causes driving groundwater to the river, and to inform optimal management practices for saline groundwater. All aspects of the water budget are considered, including vegetation and floodplain processes and flood regime/climate sequencing.

Innovative analytical and numerical modelling of groundwater and surface water flow and salinity regimes are employed to ensure that unknowns and assumptions are constrained within acceptable management risks. Optimal well-field design, finetuned extraction rates and pump scheduling ensure that interception infrastructure and groundwater removal is minimal but salt load prevented from reaching the river is maximised.

AWE, in partnership with SA Water, won the prestigious “Sir William Hudson Award” from Engineering Australia in recognition of the pioneering work and successful implementation of Salt Interceptionschemes. The Sir William Hudson Award is the highest national award of Engineers Australia.

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