Coliban Water and several other Victorian water corporations have released water security outlooks, predicting a dry summer ahead.
The release of the water security outlooks show a number of Victorian towns facing the possibility of water restrictions over the summer if these dry conditions continue.
The Victorian Government is working with the water corporations on contingency measures if conditions do not improve.
Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville, said, “These outlooks show that under continuing dry conditions a number of towns may face low level water restrictions over coming months and we are currently developing a statewide drought preparedness statement which will include these areas.
“Continuing dry conditions are placing significant stress on local communities and we are working hard on improving water access and increasing security of supply in the future.”
The outlooks show that while about three quarters of Victoria’s urban water supply systems have supplies that will see them avoid restrictions, particularly those connected to the water grid, about one quarter may require water restrictions over summer, if demands are high.
In Melbourne, where water storages remain above seventy per cent, water restrictions are not expected over coming months but households are urged to continue saving water particularly over the hotter months.
The 23 urban supply systems facing the possibility of low level water restrictions cover towns in South Gippsland, the Colac region, North East Victoria and North Central Victoria.
A range of potential supply and demand options are being further explored in these areas as contingency measures if low rainfall and inflows to storages continue. Under low level restrictions business and indoor household needs aren’t affected.
