Storage, River Flow and Rainfall Update

Monday, May 20th, 2019

Rainfall recorded at South Gippsland Water’s storages during the week of 11^th – 17^th May 2019 was Lance Creek 0mm, Ruby Creek 10mm, Deep Creek 13mm and Battery Creek 17mm.

South Gippsland Water’s Managing Director, Philippe du Plessis said, “Despite a dry summer, autumn has provided rainfall that has kept our water storages at levels similar to that of previous years.”

“It is encouraging that rainfall and catchment yields are keeping us on trend for this time of year, but good falls from now and throughout winter are needed to put our systems in good stead for summer.”

Flow in the Tarra River continues to fluctuate and extraction to supply the Devon North Water Treatment Plant has ceased once more until flow improves. This is a temporary measure to meet environmental flow requirements for the waterway during periods of low rainfall. Water supplied to the townships of Yarram, Devon North, Alberton and Port Albert by the Devon North Water Treatment Plant is augmented with bore water treated to Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Staff will continue to monitor river levels and provide regular flow/pumping status updates via the South Gippsland Water website and the Tarra River flows sign outside the Water Treatment Plant at Devon North.

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

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.