Securing South Gippsland’s water resources

Tuesday, December 8th, 2020

Every year South Gippsland Water undertakes a forecast of how much water we have on hand and how much we have used in each of our eight supply systems.

We then examine these against current weather predictions and climate modelling.

The results we publish are called Water Security Outlooks. These are now available for download on our website. There is an overarching report, alongside reports for each of the systems.

South Gippsland Water Managing Director Philippe du Plessis said forecasting the year ahead was necessary to ensure we had sufficient water in place to deliver to our customers.

“Having these outlooks is invaluable. It tells us which water systems might experience additional pressure or the potential for staged water restrictions to imposed over the summer,” he said.

“Fortunately, at least for this year, the outlook is reasonable. Rainfall across the South Gippsland region has been close to average, coming in slightly below median averages. With next year’s rain expected to be above average, we’re in a good place.

“The western half of our region – Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Korumburra and Leongatha, has been wetter than the eastern half, however, two of our storages are at 100 per cent capacity, and the others above 90 per cent, as we head into summer. The Tarra River and Tarwin River East Branch have received above-average flow conditions this year.

“This means it’s unlikely, at this stage, that we will have to introduce additional water restrictions this summer. However, we ask that people remember that the whole of Victoria has permanent water savings rules in place.

“So please, water your gardens between 6pm and 10am, attach trigger nozzles to all outside hoses, and don’t hose down pathways and driveways.

“These simple steps can make a real difference, particularly as we look to our longer-term future, where Victoria is forecast to be both warmer and drier.”

To read our in-depth water outlooks visit Water Security Outlooks – South Gippsland Water (sgwater.com.au)