As a result of prolonged, dry conditions, Goulburn Valley Water has determined the measure a requirement to safeguard supplies and ensure the system has sufficient water until storages recover.
A very hot and dry summer has permeated throughout the Euroa area, followed by an exceedingly dry start to autumn.
Storages have declined to their lowest since 2019, dropping to below 20 per cent during May, as compared to the 77 per cent at this time last year.
Acting managing director Daniel Flanagan said the Stage Two restrictions were aimed at best managing storage levels and ensuring that the wider community was using water efficiently and wisely.
“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.
“As the area is acutely aware, we just haven’t had the autumn break we so desperately need.”
Euroa and Violet Town storages are harvested solely from the creeks fed by the Strathbogie Ranges, which makes water supply vulnerable during extended dry periods in summer and autumn.
Goulburn Valley Water has invested in storage improvements in Euroa recently, with recently constructed additional storage having come into use late last year.
However, Goulburn Valley Water was unable to harvest any water to fill it due to low creek flows.
Forecast growth and a changing climate means more investments are set to be made to maintain reliable long-term supplies in the area in future.
The Stage Two restrictions will be in place from Wednesday, May 28, and will involve a number of changes to how residents use their water.
Stage Two water restrictions
- Residential and commercial lawns cannot be watered at any time
- Gardens can be watered using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, bucket or watering can at any time, on any day
- Use of watering systems is only permitted between 6am and 8am, and 6pm and 8pm on alternate days — even- and no-numbered properties may water on even dates and odd-numbered properties may water on odd dates (all properties may water on the 31st of the month)
- Cleaning windows, hosing down hard surfaces and washing vehicles is restricted
“We’ll cart drinking water to Euroa and Violet Town to supplement supply when restrictions begin, and work with the Strathbogie Shire Council to supply alternative water for parks and sporting reserves,” Mr Flanagan said.
“We will also continue to closely monitor storages, usage trends and rainfall forecasts, with an eye to lifting restrictions as soon as we can.
“However, it is important to note that we may need to escalate conditions if the dry conditions continue.”
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