Storage, River Flow and Rainfall Update

Monday, March 4th, 2019

No rainfall was recorded at South Gippsland Water’s storages during the week of 23^rd February – 1^st March 2019.

Total rainfall recorded for the month of February 2019 was Lance Creek 16mm, Ruby Creek 20mm, Deep Creek 30mm and Battery Creek 36mm.

South Gippsland Water’s Managing Director, Philippe du Plessis said, “Although no rain fell in catchments over the past week, the small amount received throughout February provided enough inflow to reservoirs to temper the drop in storage levels over the month.”

“The Ruby Creek system, supplying Leongatha, Leongatha South and Koonwarra, is being closely monitored,” explained Mr du Plessis. “With recent hot and dry weather conditions the demand for water has been high, and whilst the drop in water levels in the reservoir has been gradual, residents supplied by the system are encouraged to use water wisely.”

River flow in the Tarwin, Agnes and Tarra rivers is fluctuating with the dry weather conditions. Flow in the Tarra River is currently around 2.6ML per day and, due to minimal rainfall in the east of the region, has been below the extraction threshold of 3ML for a number of weeks.

“Off-take to supply the Devon North Water Treatment Plant has ceased and supply to the townships of Yarram, Devon North, Alberton and Port Albert has been augmented with bore water treated to Australian Drinking Water Guidelines,” confirmed Mr Du Plessis.

South Gippsland Water continues to monitor and manage this system closely for customers and properties on ‘Supply Agreement’. Staff will regularly update the Tarra River flows sign outside the Water Treatment Plant at Devon North. Any customers who have questions or concerns regarding their water supply can contact South Gippsland Water’s friendly Customer Service Team on 1300 851 636.

Across the region, all customers are requested to ensure they are following the Permanent Water Saving Rules which are in place all year round. The top three rules to remember are:

1) Water during the cool – Between 6pm and 10am

2) Sweep, don’t hose – Hosing hard surfaces such as paths and driveways is not permitted

3) Install trigger nozzles – All outdoor hoses are required to be leak free and fitted with trigger nozzles