All access tracks along the banks of the Mulwala Canal have been closed for public safety.
Murray Irrigation CEO Ron McCalman made the announcement on Friday.
While apologising for any inconvenience this may cause customers and the community, he said “safety is our top priority”.
“The Mulwala Canal is operating at close to capacity, from its source at the Lake Mulwala offtake, to approximately 15km west of Deniliquin,” he said.
“These higher flows could impact the integrity of the banks causing erosion or subsidence of tracks and the banks will remain closed for all traffic, including pedestrian traffic, until further notice when lower demand for water deliveries has reduced the risk.
“We’d also like to take this opportunity to remind the community that swimming is prohibited in the canal and all Murray Irrigation channels and drains.
“We have had reports recently of children swimming in the canal near the Mulwala offtake.
“I can’t stress enough how dangerous this can be, so please do the right thing and stay safe.”
Safety hazards in canals, channels and drains include potential erosion, invisible strong currents, automated infrastructure which can move without warning, submerged objects and weeds, plus the danger of snakes and spiders which often make their home near an outlet.
For more information on the access track closure, call Murray Irrigation’s customer operations team on 1300 138 265.