Storage, River Flow and Rainfall Update

Monday, March 25th, 2019

Rainfall recorded at South Gippsland Water’s storages during the week of 16^th – 22nd March 2019 was Lance Creek 1mm, Ruby Creek 0mm, Deep Creek 8mm and Battery Creek 3mm.

South Gippsland Water’s Managing Director, Philippe du Plessis said, “Catchments received little or no rainfall over the past week, however, apart from the Ruby Creek system, all reservoir levels remain steady.”

“We continue to closely monitor the Ruby Creek system which supplies Leongatha, Leongatha South and Koonwarra,” explained Mr du Plessis. “The catchment did not receive rain last week and water-use by customers was around 52ML. More inflow to the reservoir is needed over the coming week, but in the meantime residents supplied by the system are encouraged to use water wisely.”

Mr du Plessis added, “River flow in the Tarwin, Agnes and Tarra rivers is fluctuating with the dry weather conditions and the monitoring of these systems is a priority, particularly the Tarra.”

Flow in the Tarra River is currently just above the extraction threshold of 3ML and water is being pumped from it to supply Yarram, Devon North, Alberton and Port Albert and properties with a ‘Supply Agreement’.

“As experienced over recent months, without more rain, flows in the Tarra could quickly drop below the extraction level,” confirmed Mr du Plessis. “When extraction from the river ceases, supply to townships on the system is augmented with treated bore water, however, we encourage customers to continue to be mindful of their water use.”

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