Tough decisions will need to be made about agricultural practices in the South East region, according to the South Australian Lieutenant Governor Dr Richard “Harry” Harris.


Best known for his role in rescuing a junior soccer tam from a flooded cave in Thailand in 2018, Dr Harris has been a recreational diver in the South East region for many nears.


Dr Harris said in a social media post there is increasing concern about the falling (unconfined) aquifer in this region.


“Every animal, plant and person in the region relies on the ground water,” Dr Harris said.


“As the average annual rainfall continues to decline, signs of stress are being seen from Naracoorte in the north, to the karst rising springs like Piccaninnie Ponds in the south.


“Salt water from the ocean is pushing inland in the south due to the falling pressure of the freshwater which normally keeps it at bay.


“This is evident in some of the coastal springs and test wells.”


According to Dr Harris, Mosquito Creek and Bool Lagoon are currently dry, with concerns about local species loss.


“ Low flows and high nutrient load in Piccaninnie Ponds have caused a devastating algal overgrowth in this unique Ramsar wetland,” he said.


“Another iconic spring with huge importance to local tourism is Ewen Ponds. Ewens is now at record low water levels and is also at very high risk.


“Minor insults to the system are having major impacts, and the ponds remain closed to the public.


“The best government in the world cannot make it rain. But adapting to the changing climate with altered agricultural practices can lower water use and diminish nutrient loads.


“The Water Allocation Plan is currently under review and no doubt some tough decisions will need to be made.


“These issues will be affecting more and more localities if our global community cannot turn these climate trends around.”