Low River Flows For The Tarra River

Monday, March 5th, 2018

South Gippsland Water is continuing to monitor river flows for the Tarra River.

Following low river flow rates in February, the Corporation activated pumping water from its bore at Devon North. As a result, customers in supplied by the Tarra River System may notice that the taste and smell of their water has changed slightly with the majority of water coming from the bore.  Water is still treated to national drinking water standards and is safe to drink.

South Gippsland Water’s Bulk Entitlement stipulates that it cannot draw any water from the Tarra River when river flows are below 3ML per day and must ensure that this water flows through to the environment (Environmental Flows). River flows fluctuate. Last Wednesday the Tarra River flows were 5.6ML per day, however over the weekend had dropped down to 3.5ML and today (Monday 5^th March) they are back up at 4.5ML per day.  With continued forecasts for warm dry conditions, South Gippsland Water will closely monitor river flows.

South Gippsland Water is placing the river flow readings on its website, on the System Alerts page: https://www.sgwater.com.au/Alerts. The Corporation has made contact with Water by Agreement customers affected, however, are encouraging customers to check the web site and keep communications open with South Gippsland Water, please phone 1300 851 636.