Coliban Water continues to manage ongoing dry conditions
Coliban Water is encouraging residents and business across the region to do their part to make every drop of water count as extended dry conditions continue to impact water catchments statewide.
Managing Director, Damian Wells, said Coliban Water will continue to keep the community informed if further action is required.
“We continue to monitor conditions closely while also investing in infrastructure to enhance the region’s long-term water security.”
“Only 81mm of rain fell at Malmsbury Reservoir during autumn, 15mm of that in May. This is significantly lower than the long-term average of 162mm.
“The very dry conditions in our catchments mean any rain we do receive is not translating to run-off. Inflow to our reservoirs near Kyneton during autumn was just 10% of what we’d typically receive. These storages are currently sitting at 36,000 megalitres and have not been this low since 2018/19,” Mr Wells explained.
“To ease pressure on our storages and ensure we hold enough water for Castlemaine and Kyneton, we have been using our 18% share of Lake Eppalock since December, pumping water via the Goldfields Superpipe to supply the Bendigo area.
While the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting average rainfall over the coming months, water restrictions may be required in some parts of our region should sufficient rainfall or run-off not eventuate during winter and spring.
“Whilst the rainfall was a welcome sight over the weekend, only 28mm fell at Malmsbury with 201 megalitres of inflow for June to date.
Mr Wells said that this is effectively the equivalent of a single drop of water in a bucket.
The dry conditions also mean the 2025/26 rural season is likely to open on 1 July with a reduced allocation.
“This will be the first time in over 15 years the system has not opened with 100% allocation. We will continue to monitor conditions as we head into the season,” Mr Wells said.
“There has been greater demand in the rural system, with over 1,000 more orders placed and delivering over 4,600 megalitres, or double the previous season volume. This comes off the back of three wet summers previously.
“With an uncertain rainfall outlook, we will be taking a cautious approach to water resource management as we step into the next season.
Mr Wells said there was huge investment already underway in a range of projects that will deliver greater water security and support our customers as our climate changes and our population grows.
“We are upgrading the Bendigo Recycled Water Factory and several of our water reclamation plants to boost the production of recycled water, and we’ve commenced a ten-year-plus program of upgrades and renewals of major pipelines, water mains, pump stations, and storages.
“These projects include the Maiden Gully to Marong Pipeline, Huntly-Goornong Pipeline, our Rural Water Efficiency Project, and more.”
Mr Wells emphasised that current weather patterns mean Permanent Water Saving Rules across Victoria are more important than ever.
“These rules are simple and easy to implement and can reduce average consumption in the home by one third, and that’s great news for our storage levels during dry times and for customers’ hip pockets.
“We continue to support vulnerable customers through our Coliban Assist program and targeted plumbing assistance programs. These programs are designed to improve household water efficiency and help customers manage their water bills.
“Water must remain accessible and affordable for everyone in our community, so helping customers facing hardship is a top priority,” Mr Wells said.
Customers can contact Coliban Water between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday on 1300 363 200 or visit our website.
Permanent Water Saving Rules
- Use a leak-free, hand-held hose with a trigger nozzle at any time.
- Use sprinklers and watering systems between 6pm and 10am.
- Only use fountains or water features that recirculate water.
- Use a broom rather than washing down hard surfaces. A high-pressure hose, hand-held hose, or bucket can be used during construction, renovations or to remove a hazard.
Simple water saving tips:
Inside the home:
- Choose the half flush button and save up to 35,000 litres of water a year.
- Always run your washing machine with a full load and save ten litres per wash.
- Use a timer and keep showers to just four-minutes. You’ll save up to 35 litres.
- Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth.
- Consider replacing any old-style shower heads with a water efficient variety and save 11 litres of water per minute.
- A leaking or running toilet can waste up to 96,000 litres of water a year. To check if yours has a leak, remove the lid and place a few drops of food dye in the cistern. Don’t flush for 10-15 minutes. If the dye has seeped down into the bowl, you’ll know you have a leak.
Outside the home:
- To limit wastage and water loss through evaporation, use a leak-free hand-held hose with a trigger nozzle to water gardens and only use watering systems between 6pm and 10am.
- Remember to push aside mulch first to check if your plants do need water.
- Adapt your plant choices and garden over time to include more water wise plant choices.
- Don’t overestimate how much water your lawn needs. A proper drink less often will encourage deeper root growth and help it withstand heat stress.
- Only use fountains or water features that recirculate water.
- Only hose hard surfaces during construction, renovations or to remove a hazard (or once every three months if staining develops).
More information is available here.