The $1.34 million upgrade of the scheme was funded by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and Mallee Catchment Management Authority, with Goulburn-Murray Water carrying out the works.
It involved the replacement of pipework, valves and other infrastructure to improve system operations, as well as the general cleansing of the pipeline.
The upgrades will enable better system pressure and improve chlorination of all production bores.
G-MW water storage services general manager Martina Cusack said the scheme supported productivity in the region.
“The Mildura-Merbein Salt Inception Scheme is crucial to irrigators along the Murray River,” Ms Cusack said.
“When too much salt gets in the water, it can be damaging to crops, pasture, wetlands and river systems.
“This scheme comprises a series of groundwater bores connected by a network of pipes that outfall into Lake Ranfurly. It prevents more than 70 tonnes of salt entering the Murray per day.”
Salt is a natural part of Murray-Darling Basin landscapes and rivers, with groundwater systems close to the Murray River holding more than 100 billion tonnes of salt.
The Victorian Government constructed the scheme in 1979. Since then, it has undergone several major upgrades.
Ms Cusack said the latest upgrade had significantly improved the system.
“The works we have completed have ensured the Mildura-Merbein Salt Inception Scheme is now more efficient, and safer and easier for operators to manage,” she said.
“They will ensure we can continue to effectively manage salinity levels in the Murray River well into the future.
For more information, visit: www.mdba.gov.au
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