WATER CORPORATION —
GRASS PATCH DAM
640. Hon COLIN de GRUSSA to the minister representing the
Minister for Water:
I refer to the Water Corporation–owned
dam at Grass Patch, which has been closed to farmers wishing to draw water for
farm-related activities such as weed spraying and livestock watering.
(1) When was the
last structural assessment of the dam undertaken, and how did the Water
Corporation conclude that cracking would occur in the event that the dam was
emptied?
(2) How much
water is currently stored in Grass Patch Dam, and what is the maximum capacity
of the dam?
(3) Given that the Water Corporation has no intention
of using the water contained in the dam for anything other than
agricultural purposes, has it considered the option of transferring the
facility to the Shire of Esperance or any other entity?
(4) What capital maintenance and recurrent operational
costs have been incurred by the Water Corporation for Grass Patch Dam for the
financial years 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19,
and year to date 2019–20?
Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN
replied:
I thank the member for the question.
The following information has been provided by the Minister for Water.
(1) Structural integrity of the Water Corporation's
Grass Patch Dam is assessed through regular weekly inspections. The latest
inspection was carried out this morning. The assessment and reporting process
ensures that potential structure issues can be dealt with in a timely manner.
All dams with natural clay liners, including Grass Patch Dam, have a requirement
to maintain minimum water levels to maintain the integrity of the lining.
(2) Grass Patch
Dam is currently holding approximately five million litres of water and its
total capacity is approximately 18 million litres.
(3) The Water
Corporation retains a number of unused isolated water storage facilities as
strategic assets for future drinking water supplies. Although it may not
currently be economic to utilise these facilities for drinking water supplies,
this situation may change in the future as treatment technologies develop.
(4) The Water
Corporation has not undertaken capital investment in Grass Patch Dam during the
period identified. Operating expenditure was $11 692 for 2015–16; $9 470
for 2016–17; $4 052 for 2017–18; and $11 889 for 2018–19. Expenditure associated with Grass Patch
Dam for the year to date is not currently available, as recorded
expenditure for this site includes costs associated with water deficiency
carting.