In a stark contrast to the spring of 2022, rainfall at our storages was only around half of the long-term average.
This resulted in inflows of just over 5 GL to our storages on the Coliban River, which is around a third of the median inflow that we have received over the same period since 1975.
Executive General Manager Strategy, Anna Lamont said despite the drier conditions, previous wet years mean our water resource position is good.
“We’ve had three years where rainfall was significantly above average. To put that into perspective, the average annual rainfall is around 710 mm at Malmsbury, and last year we recorded over 1,100 mm of rain.”
“As a result, our storages on the Coliban River are at 94% of capacity, we’re holding 98% of our share of Lake Eppalock, and we have received 100% allocation for our surface water entitlements in the regulated Goulburn, Murray and Campaspe systems managed by Goulburn-Murray Water,” Ms Lamont said.
The local conditions are replicated around the country, with Bureau of Meteorology data showing that for Australia as a whole, October rainfall was 65% below the 1961–1990 average, the fifth driest October on record (since 1900) and the driest since 2002.
While the region remains in a strong position, the organisation is reminding customers to consider how they’re using water around our homes and businesses.
“We are expecting hot and dry summers ahead, so we need to ask ourselves how we’re monitoring our water use and whether we’ve slipped back into any wasteful behaviours.
“We have a range of resources on our website to help our customers save water, including our popular Smart Gardens for a Dry Climate booklet. We’ve also created a Drip Saving Tips page and we’re encouraging customers to contribute their favourite ways of saving water,” Ms Lamont said.
Permanent Water Saving Rules remain in place across our region, which include 5 common-sense rules designed to help us use water more wisely:
1. Water from a hand-held nozzle with a trigger nozzle at any time.
2. Watering systems can be used for residential or commercial gardens and lawns between 6pm and 10am.
3. Watering systems can be used for public gardens, lawns and playing surfaces between 6pm and 10am.
4. Water features such as a fountain can be used where water is recirculated.
5. Hard surfaces can be cleaned using a high-pressure cleaning device, handheld hose or bucket.
Find out more about saving water here.