Storages steady despite dry winter

WATER storage levels in the Bendigo region are holding steady despite a drier than usual winter, according to Coliban Water.

General manager of water and climate strategy Adam Crameri said limited winter rainfall had resulted in smaller inflows to the 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,” Mr Crameri said.

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

But Mr Crameri said despite this, storages are still in a good position thanks to high inflows in past years.

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

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

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

Mr Crameri described the Bureau of Meteorology climate outlook for the coming months as “encouraging.”

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

Mr Crameri said Coliban Water would continue to closely monitor and manage its 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,” he said.

Mr Crameri said warmer weather will mean higher water consumption, with the average customer using about 210 litres a day.

He said easy ways to save water included using economy cycles on dishwashers and washing machines.

“In the garden, use mulch to reduce water loss on garden beds and consider drought-resistant plants,” he said.

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