The annual water outlook, released in early December, underscores the secure short-term outlook for the next two years, despite the challenges posed by a warming and drying climate.
The report, reflecting on the aftermath of the October 2022 floods, suggests a low likelihood of water restrictions over the next 12 months.
Despite predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology and Agriculture Victoria indicating drier and warmer conditions in the next three months due to the El Niño event, GVW’s off-river storages are currently comfortably positioned, with levels at 90 per cent capacity or above.
These storages play a crucial role in supplying water to areas such as Kilmore, Mansfield, Alexandra and Euroa during warmer months when direct sourcing from rivers might be limited.
For Shepparton and north towards Cobram, where most towns source water directly from the Murray River, the supply remains highly reliable.
GVW managing director Steve Capewell said that while short-term supplies were secure, the utility was actively pursuing long-term reliability options.
“Our region is experiencing significant population growth, which leads to increased water demand, and longer-term climate projections show that we are more likely to experience declining water availability and more frequent and severe droughts,” Mr Capewell said.
“To balance increases in demand in areas where our supplies are particularly rainfall dependent, we’re investing in our infrastructure and forward planning to ensure we can continue to supply our services sustainably.”
The outlook aligns with GVW’s Urban Water Strategy, outlining key actions and improvements for securing water supplies over the next 50 years.
Initiatives include exploring recycled water use, supporting water efficiency, upgrading treatment plants for future growth and securing long-term water supply options.
While storage levels remain high, GVW encourages residents to adhere to Permanent Water Saving Rules to ensure sustainable water use.
These rules include using automatic watering systems between 6pm and 10am, employing brooms for cleaning hard surfaces, washing cars with water in a bucket and using leak-free hoses fitted with trigger nozzles.
For updated storage information and a detailed overview of the water outlook, visit GVW’s water resources page here: https://www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/water/water-resources
The community is urged to stay informed and play a role in maintaining sustainable water practices for the benefit of the entire region.
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