Dry autumn leaves water storages under pressure
Despite 188mm of autumn rainfall, only 143 million litres flowed into the region’s reservoirs, increasing the likelihood of water restrictions next summer unless there is significant rainfall over winter and spring.
Coliban Water General Manager Water Climate Strategy, Adam Crameri said the past two years had been very dry, resulting in consistently poor inflows and depleted storage levels across the region.
“Over the past two years, we’ve seen very low inflows which are down on the long-term median of 29 billion litres. As a result, our storage levels are still very low,” Mr Crameri said.
“Our combined storages near Kyneton are currently at 53% capacity and our share of Lake Eppalock is sitting at 29%. While lower storage levels are typical at this time of year following summer demand, the overall position is concerning given the recent run of dry conditions.”
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall this winter. Coliban Water typically relies on winter and spring rainfall to boost inflows, and what happens over the coming months will be critical in determining water availability for communities next summer.
“With a changing climate, reduced rainfall and increasing demand, water storages are under growing pressure and can no longer be relied on to refill as they have in the past,” Mr Crameri said.
“We know storage levels can shift from healthy to under pressure very quickly, particularly when rainfall is below average and demand is high,” Mr Crameri said.
“We are planning for multiple scenarios. When it comes to water security, we take a conservative approach to manage our water resources while continuing to invest in long-term water security and efficiency projects.”
Coliban Water is continuing to actively manage water across its network while investing in a range of projects and programs to strengthen long-term water security. This includes expanding recycled water use, upgrading key infrastructure, and progressing initiatives such as the Rural Water Efficiency Program to improve system performance and reduce demand on drinking water supplies.
The Rural Water Efficiency Project will upgrade critical infrastructure, reduce water losses and build a stronger, more reliable rural water system for the future.
The project has received $120 million from the Australian Government through the Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program, with up to $40 million from Coliban Water, bringing the total project budget to $160 million.
Mr Crameri said rural customers should prepare for reduced water allocations for the upcoming rural season.
“Allocations for the 2026/27 rural season will be announced on 1 July, and based on current conditions, they are likely to be very low.”
Urban customers are also being encouraged to conserve water and follow the Permanent Water Saving Rules, with household demand typically increasing during dry periods and placing additional pressure on storages.
“Using water wisely now can reduce the likelihood of stricter water restrictions in the future, and small actions across the community can make a significant difference,” Mr Crameri said.
“It’s important we all work together to make every drop count during these dry conditions,” Mr Crameri said.
Water restrictions were last in force in the Coliban Water region in 2011.