Surface water is water that sits above the surface of the earth and flows into streams, rivers, natural lakes, wetlands, reservoirs or dams constructed by humans. It is created by rain and contributes directly to the health and well-being of the collectors listed above. In drought years surface water availability declines which places an added burden on our groundwater resources. Increases in global temperatures affect surface water as it evaporates more quickly. Coordinated management of both ground water and surface water is vital.
The South East Natural Resources Management region relies predominantly on its ground water resources. This region contains virtually no surface water collection points with only one prescribed watercourse and surface water area existing; Morambro Creek (including Cockatoo Lake and Nyroca Channel). This is managed under the Morambro Creek Water Allocation Plan which was adopted on 13 January 2006.
Mosquito Creek is an example of an ephemeral surface water resource which is shared between Victoria and South Australia. It is subject to management by a variety of organizations. Currently the SE NRM Board has responsibility for delivering a pilot project ‘Connecting the Catchment: The integrated Management of Mosquito Creek’. This is pursuant to the Regional Investment Schedule funded under the NHT Regional Competitive Component for the period October 2005 – 2008.
This project seeks to address issues incurred through the difficult process of managing a shared catchment area. Ultimately critical knowledge gaps and supporting mechanisms will be established to provide for more efficient integrated and sustainable management of shared catchments. The benefit will be for the key environmental assets in the Mosquito Creek Catchment which include Bool and Hacks Lagoons Ramsar listed Wetlands and the associated habitats of nationally threatened species.