FIVE flume gates have been replaced with a new gate system at the Western Waranga Channel’s Fernihurst offtake.
According to Gouldburn Murray Water, the winter works will significantly cut maintenance costs.
Asset reliability manager Michael Hehir said the 92-year-old structure needed to be replaced due to its age and the deterioration of its concrete structure.
“The cost and resource use of maintaining that site had continued to increase over the last five to 10 years,” he said.
The regulator now has two flume gates and two undershot slip gates – a first for GMW.
Mr Hehir said the combination was expected to provide a significant cost saving.
“Over the 30 year life cycle of the four mechanical gates it’s anticipated we’ll save 25 per cent on maintenance costs,” he said.
Mr Hehir said there were several other benefits to the new structure including reduced wear and tear, being able to drain channels better to manage weeds, improving channel flow profile and reducing bank erosion.
He said any one of GMW’s 727 sites that have more than one flume gate may fit the criteria to have an undershot gate installed if its concrete structure needed to be rebuilt.
“As we’re getting towards the end of that concrete life cycle it opens up options to put in equipment that better suits our needs,” he said.
Manager asset strategy and engineering support Shayne Lowe said the business was always looking at innovative ways to reduce costs and drive operational efficiency.
“As we continue to invest in the future of our infrastructure, every improvement we make
strengthens the reliability and sustainability of our water delivery network for the communities we serve,” Mr Lowe said.