Major Projects

Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer

With droughts tipped to be longer, drier and more frequent ACTEW Corporation is working to diversify the ACT region’s sources of water. The Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer is one component of Water Security – Major Projects, a suite of water security infrastructure initiatives that are now being delivered by ACTEW.

What is the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer?

This project involves pumping water from the Murrumbidgee River near Angle Crossing (close to the southern-most border of the ACT), and transferring it through a pipeline running via the Burra district to Googong Reservoir.

A pump station will be constructed close to the Murrumbidgee River, and the water will be discharged into Burra Creek upstream of Googong Reservoir. Only Murrumbidgee River water in excess of environmental requirements will be transferred.

Why is it needed?

The Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer forms part of ACTEW's continued response to securing water supplies for the ACT region's increasing population and to address climate change.

How will it help?

The project will make better use of our water storage capacity in Googong Reservoir by enabling us to supplement our water supplies in times of good Murrumbidgee River flows. It will provide up to 20 gigalitres of additional water per year into Googong Reservoir, which is nearly a third of our average annual water use. It also adds more diversity to our existing water supply system.

How will this affect downstream Murrumbidgee flows?

To ensure minimal impact to the downstream river system only Murrumbidgee River water in excess of environmental requirements will be transferred by the scheme.

How long will it take?

It is expected that the pump pipeline will be completed in 2010.