A new water security outlook by Goulburn Valley Water shows that the region’s water storages are in a good position heading into 2023.
The 2022 Annual Water Outlook, issued in December, demonstrates the outlook for the next two years is secure in the short term, despite drying climate and warming.
Goulburn Valley Water managing director Steve Capewell said storage levels had increased especially with late winter and spring rains last year.
“We’re seeing our off-river storages in the Euroa district sitting at 100 per cent capacity and the Kilmore system sitting around 90 per cent, which is fantastic news considering three years ago we had to implement water restrictions in both regions following low rainfall inflows and drought-like conditions,” he said.
“However, climate projections show that we are more likely to experience declining water availability and more frequent and severe droughts in the future as a result of climate change.”
The outlook reflects on the recent 2022 Urban Water Strategy, which outlines key actions and improvements to overlook the security of water supplies for the next 50 years.
Major projects highlighted by the strategy include new opportunities for recycled water use, supporting water efficiency initiatives, completing upgrades at treatment plants for future growth and exploring options to secure the long-term water supply.
While storage levels remain high, Goulburn Valley Water encourage people to continue following the permanent water saving rules to minimise water wastage, including using automatic watering systems, hand-washing a car and using a broom to clean hard surfaces.
