Lal Lal Reservoir at capacity

FOR the first time in four years, the region’s largest water supply source, the Lal Lal Reservoir, has reached capacity and is spilling over.

The reservoir holds 59,549 mega litres and plays an important role in both the Ballarat and Geelong water supply networks.

Representing around 59 per cent of Ballarat’s total water storage capacity, with the reservoir full the city’s water resource outlook heading into summer is looking encouraging.

Central Highlands Water managing director Paul O’Donohue said that the Lal Lal Reservoir plays a very important role in our water supply network.

“Our water resource outlook heading into summer is extremely positive,” he said.

“People still need to be wise with their water use as we know over the warmer months there will be a draw down on our reserves.”

Across the state, there are several other reservoirs reaching their capacity including Bullarto, Evansford and Wombat reservoirs, as well as Blackwood Basin and Hepburn Reservoir.

In addition to delivering water to the city, a full Lal Lal Reservoir means there is also additional environmental water flowing to the Moorabool River and, in turn, benefit the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority to support river health outcomes.

Based on the current forecast, the Bureau of Meteorology expects that the Lal Lal Reservoir will continue to spill into the coming months.

Additionally, Central Highlands Water’s Annual Water Outlook is set for release 1 December to provide a water resource projection for each of the organisations 15 water supply systems in the region for the year ahead.

For more information about CHW’s future water planning, please visit chw.net.au.