IN response to unseasonal prolonged dry conditions, Stage 2 water restrictions will be introduced in Euroa and Violet Town from Wednesday, 28 May.
Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) has determined the strict measure is needed to safeguard supplies and ensure the system has sufficient water until storages recover.
The Euroa area has experienced a very hot and dry summer, followed by one of the driest starts to autumn on record.
Storages have declined to their lowest level since 2019, falling to below 20 per cent during May - compared to 77 per cent at the same time last year.
GVW acting managing director Daniel Flanagan said the Stage 2 restrictions were aimed at best managing storage levels and ensuring that the wider community is using water efficiently and wisely.
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“We have held on as long as possible to limit the impact restrictions will have, but unfortunately we are unable to avoid this transition any longer,” Mr Flanagan said.
“The continued dry conditions have had a significant impact - increasing town water use and reducing stream inflows into our storages.
"This is during what is normally a period where storages are allowed to recover, (but) we just haven’t had the autumn break we so desperately need."
Mr Flanagan said drinking water would be carted to Euroa and Violet Town from next Wednesday to supplement supply and that GVW will work with Strathbogie Shire Council to supply alternative water for parks and sporting reserves.
"We will also continue to closely monitor storages, usage trends, and rainfall forecasts, with an eye to lifting restrictions as soon as we can," he said.
"However, it is important to note that we may need to escalate restrictions if the dry conditions continue.”
Euroa and Violet Town storages are harvested solely from the creeks fed by the Strathbogie Ranges, making the water supply vulnerable during extended dry periods in summer and autumn.
GVW has constructed additional storage in Euroa in recent years, which came into use late last year and was ready to be filled at the start of autumn, but was not able to be, due to low creeks flows.
GVW urges residents to make simple changes inside and outside the home, such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, washing with full loads, and not watering gardens in the heat of the day.
More information can be found at: www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/restrictions or by calling 03 5832 4800
