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17 September 2024

Storage levels strong despite dry winter

Water storage levels in the Coliban Water region are holding steady despite a drier than usual winter.

General Manager Water and Climate Strategy Adam Crameri said limited winter rainfall had resulted in smaller inflows to Upper Coliban, Lauriston and Malmsbury reservoirs. 

“Rainfall was well below average with only 148 millimetres received at Malmsbury Reservoir, compared to the long-term average of 244 millimetres. 

“We received less than seven gigalitres of inflows over the winter period, which is much less than the long-term average of 26 gigalitres,” he said.

Despite this significant decrease, Mr Crameri said storages are still in a good position thanks to high inflows received in previous years. 

“The combined volume of Upper Coliban, Lauriston and Malmsbury Reservoirs is sitting at 53,032 megalitres or 76% of capacity, and we are holding 52,559 megalitres in Lake Eppalock which is 96% of our share.

“We’ve also received good allocations to date, with the Campaspe system at 100% and Goulburn and Loddon at 97%.

“These reserves put us in a good position for this time of year, with a positive outlook for the seasons ahead.”

Mr Crameri said the Bureau of Meteorology climate outlook for the coming months is encouraging.

“This suggests average rainfall during spring, which hopefully translates into good inflows, as we head into the warmer months,” he said.

“We’ll continue to carefully monitor and manage our water resources.

“Our Permanent Water Saving Rules remain in place and everything we do to conserve water – even when we’re in a good position – helps overall water security.”

Warmer weather in coming months will mean higher water consumption, with the average customer using approximately 210 litres of water per day. There’s easy ways to save water, such as using economy cycles on your dishwasher and washing machine. In the garden, use mulch to reduce water loss on garden beds and consider drought-resistant plants.

Visit coliban.com.au for information on water security and water saving tips. 

Last updated on 17 Sep 2024
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