A wetter than average August has put Coliban Water’s catchment storages in a good position going into spring and the peak summer demand period.
Executive General Manager Climate and Population Adaptation Steve Healy said 103 millimetres of rain last month has resulted in the overall catchment storage volume increasing by 11 per cent.
“Lauriston, Malmsbury and Upper Coliban reservoirs, near Kyneton, are 87 per cent full with a combined volume of 60,801 megalitres,” said Mr Healy.
“Our total winter rainfall was 204 millimetres, 40 millimetres below the long-term average. It was a particularly dry July when we received 37 millimetres, less than half the average for that month.
“Our storage volume is 5 per cent lower than this time last year but we are in a good position and the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting wetter than average conditions for the next few months.
“Upper Coliban is approaching full capacity and is temporarily closed to on-water recreation as there is a risk to on-water users if it spills. We expect it to reopen next week if it stays dry.
“Upper Coliban is still open to visitors and for shoreline fishing, and our Lauriston, Malmsbury and Barkers Creek (Harcourt) reservoirs remain open for on-water recreation.
“With Lauriston at 92 per cent and upgrade works happening at the Barkers Creek boat ramp, we encourage visitors to check our ‘Visit our reservoirs’ page on our website for the latest information,” said Mr Healy.
Coliban Water has nine water supply systems across its region, each with different supply source and level of water security – all reliant on rainfall over winter and spring.
“Our catchment storages are the only source of supply for towns in our Coliban Southern system, which includes Castlemaine and Kyneton. Our Coliban Northern system towns, which include Bendigo, can access water from our storages, from our 18 per cent share of Lake Eppalock and from the Goulburn System via the Goldfields Superpipe.
“We have a number of plans in place to meet the challenges of climate change and population growth and secure our region’s water supply for future generations. Our Urban Water Strategy outlines water supply initiatives for the next 50 years and is reviewed every five years.
“Water security is also one of four strategic directions in our Strategy 2030, our 10-year plan to achieve our vision of Water to Live, Grow and Enjoy.
“We all have a part to play in our region’s water security. We would like to remind all our urban customers to follow the Permanent Water Saving Rules, in place across our region at all times.
“Water saving ideas for the home, business and garden can also be found on our website and the Victorian Government’s Target Your Water Use program provides regional Victorians with the information they need to make informed decisions about how they use water,” said Mr Healy.
Coliban Water announced in July 2020 that it will open its 2019/20 rural season with 100 per cent allocation.
For further information on your water supply system, reservoir levels, visiting reservoirs and Permanent Water Saving Rules, visit www.coliban.com.au
Last updated on 04 Sep 2020