Annual water supply underway

THE provision of Coliban Water’s annual supply to irrigation and agricultural customers has begun, with users able to access their full allocations this season. 

From now until 10 May next year, the company will supply 1140 licensees with up to one megalitre of untreated water per day. 

However, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting higher maximum and minimum temperatures for most of the country, it could be the last full water allocation for a while. 

Coliban Water acting managing director Dany McLean said it was important to remember that the amount of rain seen over the past few years is unusual. 

“Our water resource position is strong this season with our three Coliban reservoirs near capacity. This means increased water security for our rural customers,” he said. 

“This will help customers sustain their enterprises such as orchards or vineyards, help care for their stock and domestic lifestyle.” 

Mr McLean said staff are looking at ways to increase the efficiency of its water delivery systems as part of the Coliban Regional Rural Modernisation Project. 

The Federal Government contributed $3.7 million to the project in August, on top of Coliban’s previous spend of $2 million. 

Coliban delivers four to six gigalitres of raw and recycled water annually to rural customers with about two gigalitres lost each year through 360 kilometres of channels and 140 kilometres of pipelines.