The region’s water storages are holding 3.3 gigalitres more than at the same time last year and Upper Coliban, Lauriston and Malmsbury Reservoirs are all full thanks to 277mm of rainfall this winter.
Executive General Manager Strategy, Jarrah O’Shea, said catchments in the Coliban Water region are now in a strong position heading in to spring and summer.
“Our storages received 29 gigalitres of inflows after above average rainfall over winter.
“This inflow figure is similar to the long-term average, but off the back of a particularly wet 2021, our key water storages are at 100% capacity, having started the winter months at 76%.
“All three reservoirs were spilling at 1 September and will remain closed to on-water recreation for the safety of users,” Mr O’Shea added.
“This means we’re seeing good flows through to Lake Eppalock, where our 18% share is also at capacity, and benefits for our local waterways through added environmental flows.”
The region’s three-month climate outlook and forecast La Nina conditions means there is a high chance above average rainfall will continue during spring and summer.
While this rainfall is not guaranteed, Mr O’Shea said Coliban Water will continue to manage its storages and day-to-day operations to cope with higher than average inflows.
“Our winter rainfall was 35mm more than last year, and 36mm more than the long-term average. August was particularly wet, with 140mm received at Malmsbury, which is 50mm more than the August average.
“A proactive program of monitoring at our reservoirs and water storages over the coming months will ensure we can pre-release water to manage reservoir levels ahead of predicted rain events.
“Our team is also working hard to prevent blockages and spills in our sewerage system, which can be impacted by excess stormwater and debris in the system during extreme rain events.
“Our Stop the Block program maintains over 2,000 kilometres of sewer mains in the Coliban Water region and more than $1 million is invested annually to prevent blockages and limit disruption to customers. So far, it’s helped us avoid around 3,800 blockages,” Mr O’Shea explained.
In July, Coliban Water announced a 100% allocation for the 2022/23 rural season for the twelfth year in a row. Supported by favourable storage levels, rural customers will have access to the full licence water volume for their property.
But the organisation is reminding customers not to become complacent as we continue to face the challenges of climate and population change.
Permanent Water Saving Rules remain in place across the region to assist with overall water security.
Coliban Water provides regular updates on storage levels, its reservoirs, rural season, and permanent water saving rules on its website and social media channels.