The 2024—25 irrigation season is just over a third of the way through but is already likely to be one of the busiest in recent memory for Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW).
In the first three months of the irrigation season, GMW has delivered 373,000ML of water, more than twice the average for this stage of the season.
GMW Water Delivery Services General Manager, Warren Blyth, said the high demand was due to various factors.
“We have come off a few very wet years, which has meant our dams have been well-stocked, and water availability has been high,” he said.
“However, a dry winter meant we received far more orders in the first weeks of the irrigation season than we would usually expect, and so far, the spring rains have also been minimal.”
Highlighting this is the inflows into GMW’s major storages during September 2024. Lake Eildon received 84,500ML of water, about a third of its usual monthly inflow. Water demand downstream of the lake has caused its levels to fall during a time of year when they would usually rise.
Even more pronounced have been the reduced inflows into Lake Eppalock.
Only 2300ML flowed into the lake throughout September 2024, less than ten per cent of the September average. Conversely, in a single day during the October 2022 floods, Lake Eppalock received 132,000ML of inflows. Thus, in September 2024, inflows to the lake were less than five per cent of what they were during a 24-hour period in October 2022.
“It highlights the extremes of our climate and the importance of planning for such extremes,” Mr Blyth said. “At GMW, we are preparing for what could be a hectic autumn, when irrigation demand usually peaks.
“We encourage irrigators to do the same. When irrigation demand approaches channel capacity, water orders invariably take longer to be delivered.
“People should, therefore, be mindful that if they order water during the busiest time of the season, they could potentially face delays in receiving their order.”
Irrigators with questions about their water orders or delivery shares are encouraged to contact their water planner on 1300 468 469.
Image: Alistair/stock.adobe.com