Delva Channel Diggers

1856 the Wilson Brothers of Longerenong diverted Wimmera River water into Ashens and Yarriambiack creeks.
Marking the beginning of what became “Wimmera Mallee Channel System”
1930 Fyans, Taylors and Pine lakes were constructed
1933 Rocklands reservoir 1953 Toolondo
1967 Lake Bellfield on Fyans Creek in the Grampians,

Initially, using only natural watercourses, but soon became the lifeblood of the region, more channels were quickly added to the system,
Eventually growing to be covering of

2.9 Million Hectares,

17,500 Kilometers Channels,

24,000 Dams,

3,000 Hectares of Irrigation,

50 Town Reservoirs.

Remarkably this mammoth task, was constructed by hand, and horse and drays.
Creating Worlds largest open channel water and river supply system.

These old Deva’s, were towed behind Tractors to keep all these channels clean. But, are now obsolete Most were sold for scrap we have two here

Later it was recognized these open channels were very inefficient.
Estimated by the time water reached the farthest part of the system, up to 85% had been lost through seepage and evaporation.
Because of these massive water losses, it was considered an intolerable waste of a valuable resource.
Government decided it should be gradually replaced with water pipe.

1914 pipeline’s were being installed, by 2010 Majority of the channels had been decommissioned and backfilled

BELOW
Wimmera Inlet Channel
Constructed in 1920, associated with Taylors Lake, 20km from Horsham. Is recognized as the last original section of channel remaining.