Fears a wet spring and dry summer would affect the health of the Loddon River and its tributaries have not eventuated, due to a series of water flows.
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The North Central Catchment Management Authority says the lower Loddon and Serpentine Creek have been receiving flows every couple of months since December.
After wet springs, like that experienced last year, irrigation demand can decrease over summer, slowing flows and leading to poor water quality.
“What we have seen has combatted the usual summer decline of that area, when irrigation demand drops,” NCCMA environmental water manager Louissa Rogers said.
“We usually see grey, murky, still water. The water quality in those areas has significantly improved and the fauna and flora has responded.”
Ms Rogers said there had been reported sightings of animals such as platypus and water rats, which was a “great sign”.
Another flow will be managed in late May, to prime the waterways for spring.
