Coliban Water announces increase to rural season allocations
Coliban Water has today increased the rural allocation to 100% for the remainder of the 2025/26 rural season.
General Manager Water Climate Strategy, Adam Crameri, said the increased allocation reflects the current water resource position with moderate increases of inflows to our storages during the winter and spring period.
“Rural allocations are determined on the 15th of each month based on the amount of water available and in accordance with our drought response planning. For the first time in 15 years, the rural season opened in July with a 30% allocation in direct response to two years of lower-than-average rainfall and inflows to our storages.
“While it’s pleasing our water resource position has allowed us to increase the allocation for our rural customers, conditions remain dry."
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting median rainfall in the coming months, but September did see a return to dry conditions in central Victoria.
Mr Crameri explained that the region’s dry catchments mean the rainfall we do receive does not always translate to inflows to water storages.
“That’s been the case prior to this winter and means the Upper Coliban, Lauriston, and Malmsbury Reservoirs in the south of our region are currently at 65% capacity, or 11% lower than at the same time last year,” he said.
“In response, we began using our 18% share of Lake Eppalock in December 2024, pumping water via the Goldfields Superpipe to supply Bendigo. This allows us to preserve water supply for communities from Kyneton to Castlemaine, which rely solely on our southern storages for their water,” he said.
Mr Crameri said most inflows to Coliban Water storages are received during winter and spring.
“We are hopeful our catchment position will improve. But without adequate rainfall and run-off, the opening allocations for 2026/27 remain uncertain and we may also need to consider the introduction of water restrictions for households and businesses in communities in the south of our region. Both will be determined according to our water security policies.”
Coliban Water’s rural season typically runs from late October until early May, with water delivered through a rostered ordering system or based on demand.
Rural customers can place an order using their individual BEE number by calling 1300 761 738 between 7am and 2.30pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays and the Christmas/New Year break. Coliban Water requires 48 hours’ notice or two working days for orders.
For information about the rural season, including the channel rosters, visit coliban.com.au/rural.
Coliban Water will publish its Annual Water outlook in December.
Last updated on 15 Nov 2025