COLIBAN Water says water restrictions are highly unlikely this summer, even as crucial central Victorian water supplies dwindle to their lowest levels since the millennium drought.
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Lake Eppalock has dropped to 44 per cent – down from 74 per cent this time last year – while Upper Coliban storages also struggle at 58 per cent, compared with capacity levels last year.
Coliban Water started using Lake Eppalock for Bendigo’s water supply last year, freeing up Coliban flows for Castlemaine and Kyneton for the dry summer ahead.
Manager raw water supply Steve Healy said this decision meant water supply would remain consistent for customers, despite looming El Nino conditions.
“This long dry period has been foreshadowed for a while, so we have these measures in place to stop the need for water restrictions,” he said.
“Water restrictions are a last resort. It is dry though, and this summer isn’t looking great.
“There are a number of strategies and alternative sources Coliban Water can use to avoid restrictions.”
Mr Healy said irrigators were also unlikely to experience any change in price or supply for the dry months.
Levels will continue to drop for the coming 12 months, with businesses fearing recreational users of Lake Eppalock and other nearby bodies could be forced elsewhere.
Cairn Curran Reservoir waters levels have halved from this time last last year, at 32 per cent. The reservoir was dry for almost 10 years during the drought period post-2000.
